The Local Paper. Northern Suburbs Edition. Wed., Apr. 30, 2025
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■ Whittlesea Council elected Cr Martin Taylor as its new Mayor at a meeting last night Thursday (Apr. 24).
He replaces Cr Aidan McLindon who has been suspended as a Councillor for six months by Local Government Minister Nick Staikos.
Cr Taylor was elected unopposed to role of Mayor for the remainder of the current Mayoral term, until Tuesday November 18. He had been a vocal critic of Cr McLindon. Cr Daniela Zinni will remain as Deputy Mayor.
“It’s time for a new beginning. A time to rise above the challenges of the last six months and to embrace a shared vision for the future that is inclusive, forward thinking and built on a solid foundation and community trust,” Cr Taylor said.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead this Council through what will be no doubt a defining time for our City.
“I recognise the responsibility that the role carries, and I approach it with clear commitment to serve all to unify our diverse voice and to deliver outcomes that strengthen our communities,” Cr Taylor said.
● ●
■ Anne Howard has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Darebin City Council.
Mayor Cr Kristine Olaris made the announcement last week, welcoming Ms Howard to Darebin and highlighting her extensive local government experience in executive roles.
“We are delighted to announce Anne as the new CEO of Darebin, who brings a wealth of experience in senior executive roles, most recently as CEO of Colac Otway Shire,” Cr Olaris said.
“Anne’s experience spans infrastructure management, governance, finance, corporate planning and community planning across a number of councils, which we know are vitally important issues for the Darebin community,” Cr Olaris said.
“Anne is known for her professional yet approachable leadership style. She is dedicated to driving positive change and development, leveraging her extensive experience to benefit the communities she serves.
“Her commitment to excellence and her proactive approach makes her a respected and valued leader in her field.”
Ms Howard will join Darebin in July. Michael Tudball will continue as Interim CEO until Ms Howard’s commencement.
Ms Howard’s local government experience includes terms at Campaspe, Surf Coast and Colac-Otway municipalities. She took on the Colac-Otway appointment in 2021.
During her term, in July last year, a municipal monitor has been appointed to Colac Otway Shire Council “to support good governance processes and practices at the council”.
Cr Martin Taylor, Whittlesea Mayor
● ● ● ● Anne Howard to be Darebin CEO
McLINDON RESPONDS
■ Aidan McLindon responded to his effective removal as Mayor and Councillor at the City of Whittlesea:
“Today was a dark day for democracy in Victorian Local Government.
“I have been stood down for six months by the ‘Governor in Council’ (this is a largely unaccountable and disproportionately powerful ‘committee of four’ created under former Premier Dan Andrews which consists of the Governor of Victoria, the Premier of Victoria and two Cabinet Ministers) through the convenient ‘buffer’ of the recently appointed Local Government Minister, Nick Staikos
“My crime? My political views did not align with the powers that are currently in place.
“If you seek a rates freeze (cutting waste is financially responsible in a cost of living crisis) or call to protect our children from the ever increasing hyper-sexualised agenda that is now targeting under 5 year olds (a huge majority of parents agree – and yes we all love everyone, just please stop exploiting those who struggle with with their sexuality and use them to target all children in the process).
“As a father, I have very serious concerns about the impact this is having on all parents across our state and country.
“Enough is enough. It’s that simple. Yes, what is happening might just be ‘politics’, but it is also unjust, a violation of our human rights and a direct attack on our community and the state of Victorian democracy.
“This is extremely serious. 250,000 Victorians have been treated with contempt. I have been segregated, bullied and intimidated in the workplace for months yet these are the same accusations levelled at me in the public arena. So wrong.
“I received the highest primary vote in the city of all 57 candidates as a result of doorknocking 6000 homes and advocating seven key policies that I have continued to champion on behalf of the community since I was sworn in as Mayor.
“I implore those councillors in Whittlesea who have supported me throughout the last 5 months (up to and including yesterday) to be courageous and step forward.
“The toxic culture in the City of Whittlesea Council needs to be addressed immediately. This is a council that has seen a staff turnover of over 900+ in an organisation of 1300 over the past 3.5 years. This is a major red flag.
“I am now the fourth Mayor who has been pushed to the brink in the past 10 years. This takes into account four years where the council was in administration between June 19 2020 – November 19, 2024.
“During this time there were 48 “committees/organisations” created in the absence of locally elected representatives. I have simply asked for a list of those organisations and how much ratepayer money has been approved for these organisations over the past 4 years. Legitimate question. In fact, that is the role of a councillor – to ask where the money is going.
“I have done no wrong. I was shut down and am still yet to receive an answer after four weeks. Several of these organisations have now been exposed as Labor Party operatives with Labor Party members and council staff on the committees receiving ratepayers funds. The (potential) corruption is systemic and entrenched – well beyond the City of Whittlesea. Councillors from across the state have been calling me over the past 3 months. The problems are widespread,” McLindon said.
Local News
GOVT SUSPENDS MAYOR
■ Nick Staikos, Local Government Minister, released a statement, in which he confirmed that Whittlesea Mayor Cr Aiden McLindon had been suspended for six months:
“Following the receipt of a report by the Municipal Monitors appointed to Whittlesea City Council and other information provided, Cr Aidan McLindon has been suspended from his duties at Whittlesea City Council under section 229A (1) of the Local Government Act 2020,” Mr Staikos said.
“I am satisfied thisis necessary to protect the health and safety of the councillors and staff at Whittlesea City Council.
“This suspension will take effect from today Wednesday, April 16, 2025 for a period of six months.
“For the duration of a suspension, Cr McLindon ceases to be a councillor and must not perform any of the functions and duties or exercise the power of a councillor.
“This includes attending council meetings, delegated committees or attending council premises.
“Local councils play a vital role in communities across the state and Victorians rightly have high expectations of their councillors,” Mr Staikos said.
In a separate media statement, Mr Staikos announced a Commission of Inquiry into Whittlesea Council.
A media statement read: “The Allan Labor Government is taking action to give residents of Whittlesea City Council confidence in their local government – following serious issues of governance and health and safety concerns at
“Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos today announced a Commission of Inquiry into Whittlesea City Council.
“The inquiry will have broad-ranging powers to address potentially serious and systemic governance issues at the council.
“The independent inquiry will allow a detailed examination of matters affecting good governance at the council, and any legislative, regulatory or other reform needed to address the issues that have occurred at the council since the elections in October 2024.
“To inform his decision, the Minister considered:
■ Information from the government-appointed municipal monitors and council staff
■ The unanimous call from 10 councillors for an independent investigation
■ That councillors also called for the Mayor to resign from the Office of Mayor and agreed to a vote of no confidence in the mayor
■ The safety and wellbeing of Council staff and operations.
The inquiry start-date and commissioners to lead the inquiry will be announced in due course.
“Whittlesea City Council will continue to operate as usual while the Commission of Inquiry is underway.
“After receiving a letter co-signed by 10 councillors requesting urgent intervention, I have determined that a Commission of Inquiry is needed,” Mr Staikos said.
“The situation at the City of Whittlesea is unprecedented — including the unanimous noconfidence motion in the Mayor, and his subsequent ban from council premises for occupational health and safety reasons.
“We want Victorians to have confidence in their local councils. This Inquiry will help to identify any changes needed to ensure the council is operating as required and in the best interests of its local community,” Mr Staikos said.
Whittlesea Council said in a statement:
“The Minister has advised that ‘for the duration of a suspension, Councillor McLindon ceases to be a councillor and must not perform any of the functions and duties or exercise the power of a councillor. This includes attending council meetings, delegated committees or attending council premises.’
“Council welcomes any process that seeks to further strengthen good governance and support the safety and wellbeing of the Council and staff.
“As a result of this suspension the position of Mayor becomes vacant. During the period of suspension, the role of Ward Councillor for Kirrip will remain vacant and Mr McLindon will not receive any allowance.”
● ● ● ● Aidan McLindon: suspended as Mayor and Councillor for six months
Damayan Society congratulated
■ The Damayan Society have been congratulated by preston MLA Nathan Lambert for their role at the Filipino–Australian Multicultural Festival.
Well done to president Tennie Ramirez, secretary Dorothy Sofra, MCs Ana and Elizabeth and the whole team for putting on a great afternoon of singing, dancing, fashion shows and Filipino cuisine.
“We in this place all know the huge contribution the Filipino community make to Victoria, our sixth largest migrant group now, and it was fantastic to have the opportunity to share in their culture,” Mr Lambert told State Parliament.
Local People Event at Plenty
■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish said she attended the Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria District 14 Rural Championships in Plenty
“I was impressed with the junior teams competing. Doreen CFA had 10 juniors tackling the pumps and hoses, competing in the 11 to 13 and 11 to 15 age groups.
“It was great to see former juniors, now 18 to 25, move into the role of junior leaders. Sue Mann, who was just a mum and is now an enthusiastic volunteer, said it has been great to see the growth in juniors through their participation.
“The young adults Victoria, Rebecca, Emily, Declan and Ryan have become independent and more confident and have increased self-esteem.
“I chatted to Amelia from the Hurstbridge Brigade and was impressed by her maturity and confidence as she talked about her time as a junior and participation now as a young adult,” Ms McLeish said.
● ● Whittlesea Council chambers
Federal Elections 2025
BALLOT PAPER ORDER IN VICTORIAN ELECTORATES
Aston
CICCHIELLO, Manny. Liberal
DOYLEMary. Australian Labor Party
MANNERS, Craig. Family First
WILLIAMS, Andrew. Independent
FAWCETT, David. Libertarian
GRONDMAN, Mark. Independent
STEEN Reuben. The Greens
De WACHT, John. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
DESVEAUX, Steve. Trumpet of Patriots
Bruce
COLECCHIA, Bianca. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
GARAD, Rhonda. The Greens
HILL, Julian. Australian Labor Party
SKROBO, Christine. Libertarian
SAFI, Zahid. Liberal ANDERSON Samuel James. Trumpet of Patriots
LOUTH Andrew. Legalise Cannabis Party
BIRCHALL, Wendy. Family First Calwell
MOORE Carly. Independent
BENGTSSON, Maria. Family First
DEL ROSARIO-MAKRIDIS, Gianni. Legalise Cannabis Party
MOSLIH, Samim. Independent
TOMA Luay. Pauline
Hanson's One Nation
YOUHANA, Joseph. Independent
GARCHA, Ravneet Kaur. The Greens
ISSA, Assaad. Trumpet of Patriots
ABDO, Basem. Australian Labor Party
PEACH, Morgan
HAWLI, Bassima. Citizens Party
RAGUPATHY, Ravi. Independent
GHANI, Usman. Liberal Casey
COURTIS, Phillip. Trumpet of Patriots
LIVORI, Ambere. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
BOND, Chloe. Animal Justice Party
NEBAUER, Dan. Family First
BLAIR, Merran. The Greens
OAKLEY, Naomi. Australian Labor Party
FERRES MILES, Claire. Independent
VIOLI, Aaron. Liberal Chisholm
RANDALL, Tim. The Greens
ONG, Gary. Family First
LIVORI, Guy. Pauline
Hanson's One Nation
ALLEN, Katie. Liberal
McSHANE, Christine. Trumpet of Patriots
GARLAND, Carina. Australian DAVIES Kath. Independent Cooper
TURNER, William. Pauline
Hanson's One Nation
KEARNEY, Ged. Australian Labor Party
BURNETT, Tara. The Greens
Deakin
GREGG, Matt. Australian Labor Party
SUKKAR, Michael. Liberal NESS, Jess. Independent
COOKE, Anne. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
GRIFFITH-JONES, Richard. Family First MILLS, Amy. The Greens WILDE, Milton. Trumpet of Patriots
VANDERMEER, Will. Libertarian Dunkley
CONROY, Nathan. Liberal THURLEY, Robert. Independent
DAVIS, Jessica. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
NICHOLES, Peter. Family First
MABER, Matt. The Greens GATLEY, Andrew. FUSION | Planet Rescue | Whistleblower Protection | Innovation BELYEA, Jodie. Australian Labor Party
ABBOTT, Lisa. Legalise Cannabis Party Flinders
SMART, Jason. Trumpet of Patriots
SMITH. Ben. Independent McKENZIE, Zoe. Liberal BROWN Mike. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
TOSCANO, Joseph. Independent
RACE, Sarah. Australian Labor Party
FROGLEY, Adam . The Greens Fraser
RANCIE, Rob. Family First TRUONG, Huong. The Greens ROZARIO, George. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
PATEL, Satish. Liberal DUFF, Jasmine. Victorian Socialists
MULINO, Daniel. Australian Labor Party Gellibrand
WATTS, Tim. Australian Labor Party
BENNETT, Stephen. Pauline Hanson's One Nation REESON, Ben. Liberal KRISHNA PANDI, Ponraj. The Greens Goldstein
WILLIAMS, Vicki Jane. Trumpet of Patriots GADANI, Nildhara. Australian Labor Party
SEGAL, David. Libertarian GALLI-McROSTIE, Alana. The Greens GARDINER, Leon. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
DANIEL, Zoe. Independent WILSON, Tim. Liberal Gorton
MENTA,Xavier. Legalise Cannabis Party
McCATHIE, Rob. Libertarian JORDAN-BAIRD, Alice. Ausralian Labor Party
ASHTON, Kathrine. Family First
FLETCHER, John. Liberal
REID, Alan. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
HUYNH, Thuc Bao. The Greens Hawke
CITY OF DARENIN ELECTIONS
TODHUNTER, Stewart. Liberal
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LARKIN Kath. Victorian Socialists
STOLZENBERG, Donna.
RAE, Sam. Australian Labor Party
COTTOM, Simmone. Liberal KATSELIS, Matthew. Pauline Hanson's One Nation Holt
FOREMAN, Shane. Family First
TIWARI, Payal. The Greens HAMMOND, Trevor. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
AICKIN, Riley. Legalise Cannabis Party
FERNANDO, Cassandra. Australian Labor Party
SAMUEL, Annette. Liberal Hotham
VAINORAS. Tony. Citizens Party
BARRY, Martin. The Greens
FOGARTY, Stuart. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
BROWN Mark. Family First
O'NEIL Clare. Australian Labor Party
MATHARU, Harmick Singh. Liberal Indi
HAINES, Helen. Independent BRIDGES, Mitch. Australian Labor Party
TRENERY, James. Liberal THOMAS, Athol. Pauline
Hanson's One Nation
REGAN Alysia. The Greens
QUILTY, Tim. Libertarian WHITE, Michael. Family First HOWMAN, Ben. Legalise Cannabis Party
McFARLANE, Mark. Independent Isaacs
DREYFUS, Mark. Australian Labor Party
KIRWAN, Matthew. The Greens HARMSE, Audrey . Family First
OTTEY, Fiona. Liberal McMAHON, Geoff. Pauline Hanson's One Nation Jagajaga
MOHAMED, Abdi. Independent
RANCIE, Rae. Family First PARR, Chris. Liberal SANDFORD, Jy. The Greens KEARNEY, Chris. Independent
RALPH, Leslie. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
THWAITES, Kate. Australian Labor Party Kooyong
PEPPARD, Richard. Libertarian
HAMER, Amelia. Liberal CARTER, Jackie. The Greens BRACHE, Camille. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
VADER, David. Trumpet of Patriots
RYAN, Monique. Independent
CROSBY, Clive. Australian Labor Party La Trobe
HARDIMAN, Gregory. Thomas. Trumpet of Patriots
SPRINGFIELD, Jeff. Australian Labor Party
OOSTHUIZEN, Jason. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
D'SILVA Mira. Liberal MOINUDDIN, Aijaz. Independent
BARCATTA, Patrizia. Libertarian Macnamara
BURNS, Josh. Australian Labor Party
RUBIN, Sean. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
SEMMENS, Sonya. The Greens SAULO, Benson. Liberal ABELMAN, Michael. Libertarian MYERS, JB. Independent Maribyrnong WILLIAMS, James. The Greens BRISKEY. Jo. Australian Labor Party
BEDDOE, Tim. Liberal CASEY, Alannah. Pauline Hanson's One Nation McEwen
ANTONIOU, Ali. Gerard Rennick People First FORREST, Tom. Legalise Cannabis Party
VALENCIA, Julio G. Family First
McRAE McLEOD, Marley. The Greens NICOLOSI, Chloe. Animal Justice Party
WITTY, Sarah. Australian Labor Party SMITH. Tim. Independent KOUTOUFIDES, Anthony. Independent BANDT, Adam. The Greens HUANG, Helen. FUSION | Planet Rescue | Whistleblower Protection | Innovation HUNT, Steph. Liberal Menzies
PALIOURAS,Amanda. Trumpet of Patriots
PHEASANT, Bill. The Greens WOLAHAN, Keith. Liberal YEE, Stella. Independent UTOYO,Joshua. Libertarian SEELEY, Ann. Family First NG, Gabriel. Australian Labor EDWARDS-SCOTT, Jhett. Pauline Hanson's One Nation Monash
ROBINSON, Kuljeet Kaur. Pauline Hanson's One Nation FLETCHER, Tully. Australian Labor Party BROADBENT, Russell. Independent
TYRRELL, Aaron. Pauline Hanson's One Nation BIRRELL, Sam. The Nationals DAVY, Jeff. Citizens Party EADE, Shelby. The Greens
Scullin
BUCCIANTI, Adriana. Trumpet of Patriots
BELL, Cassandra. Family First
HASSAN, Omar. Victorian Socialists
TSOUTSOULIS, Arthur. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
SANGARYA, Loki. The Greens TAGGAR, Rohit. Liberal GILES, Andrew. Australian Labor Party
van BREE, Ursula. Gerard Rennick People First Wills
BOLTON, Sue. Socialist Alliance
KHALIL, Peter. Australian Labor Party
KIDNEY, Jeff. Liberal GLOVER, Margee. Legalise Cannabis Party MILLER, Owen. FUSION | Planet Rescue | Whistleblower Protection | Innovation
RATNAM, Samantha. The Greens VERSTEEGEN, Rachel. Libertarian STEVENS, Bruce . Pauline Hanson's One Nation
SENATE: VICTORIAN CANDIDATES
A. Liberal/The Nationals
1. PATERSON, James 2. HUME, Jane 3. HOPPITT, Kyle 4. ARNOLD, Glenn 5. MIRABELLA, Greg 6. KMETJ, Chrestyna B.
Legalise Cannabis Party
1. PATTEN, Fiona 2. DAVY, Alice 3. EVANS, Shea C.
Animal Justice Party
1. JEGES, Helen 2, McMILLAN, Benjamin D.
IndigenousAboriginal Party of Australia
1. AUSTIN-ABDULLAH, Racquel
2. AL-SAIMARY, Laylah E. Australia’s Voice
H. Trumpet of Patriots
1. UNKLES, James William 2. JEAN, Ron 3. McKAY, Roger Ivan I. Australian Labor Party
1. CICCONE, Raffaele 2. WALSH, Jess
3.ANANDA-RAJAH, Michelle 4. PSAILA, Lynn 5. KELLEY, Stephenie 6. BAKER, David J. Family First
1. FINN, Bernie 2. FOREMAN, Jane K. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
1. PICKERING, Warren 2. BRADBURY, Christopher L. Australian Democrats
1. McKENZIE, Heath 2. NOBLE, Carly M. Victorian Socialists
1. VAN DEN LAMB, Jordan 2. PRICE, Steph N. Sustainable Australia PartyUniversal Basic Income
1. ACKERLY, Celeste 2. JESSUP, Bert O. Gerard Rennick People FirstHeart
1. NEIL, Chris 2. CLONARIDIS, Nick P. Libertarian
1. DITTLOFF, Jordan 2. FORD, Matthew 3. MATULEC, Stephen Q. The Greens
1. HODGINS-MAY, Steph 2. ARI, Navera
3. IAMPOLSKI, Rachel 4. SLATER, Maddie 5. HENDERSON, Brittney 6. YAWARI, Nasser R. Citizens Party
1. BARWICK, Robert 2. YOHANNA, Sleiman S. Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party
MILUTINOVIC, Melanie. Family First
STARBUCK, Devon. Legalise Cannabis Party
Artwork supplied by client Authorised by Brian Sanaghan 11 Scotia St, West Preston
Legalise Cannabis Party
NEWMAN, Sarah. The Greens
ADIN-JAMES, Fiona. Animal Justice Party
MALHOTRA, Ron. Family First WOOD, Jason. Liberal LONGMUIR, Jamie. The Greens PANETTA, Leo. Pauline Hanson's One Nation Lalor
PARRIS, Owen. The Greens RYAN, Joanne. Australian Labor Party
EMERSON, Matthew. Family First
ALDRED, Mary. Liberal LEONARD, Deb. Independent DETHLEFS, Geoff. Family First O'REILLY, David. Legalise Cannabis Party STEELE, Terence. The Greens WEHBE, Alex. Trumpet of Patriots Nicholls
TRAVERS, Kim. Australian Labor Party
BACHELOR, Paul Edward. Family First FLOYD, Glenn Francis. Trumpet of Patriots
■ A motorcycle rider died following a collision with an oncoming vehicle in Mount Tassie last Thursday afternoon (Apr. 24).
Emergency services were called after the rider, who was travelling north-west along the Traralgon-Balook Rd, crashed into a utility about 4.45pm.
The rider died at the scene. The driver and sole occupant of the Isuzu utility was not injured stopped at the scene.
VICTORIA
Mayoral panel
■ The State Government has announced the Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel for 2025, with nine mayors from across Victoria making up the panel.
Chaired by the Minister for Local Government, Nick Staikos , the panel provides high-level advice on legislative, regulatory, strategic and policy issues that affect Victorian councils.
This year's panel is expected to focus on governance and other key issues of concern to local government.
■ Police are alarmed at the number of drivers caught drink and drug driving during the first week of a major road policing operation.
Despite numerous warnings for motorists to expect widespread alcohol and drug testing over Easter, a concerning number of impaired drivers have been caught since Operation Compass commenced on April 17.
A total 466 alcohol and drug driving offences were detected.
This comprises 248 drink driving offences from 150,116 preliminary breath tests, and a further 218 drug driving offences detected from 5,308 roadside drug tests.
Alcohol and drug testing will continue to be a major focus for police as Operation Compass continues, with motorists reminded to expect to be tested anywhere, anytime. Police are also concerned at the number of motorists who have been detected behind the wheel that shouldn’t be driving at all, including those who are disqualified, unlicensed and suspended.
With 530 unauthorised drivers detected on Victorian roads since the operation commenced, police will continue to use automatic numberplate recognition technology to scan numberplates, detect unlawful drivers and remove them from the roads.
The total 7689 traffic offences detected during the first seven days of Operation Compass (April 127-23) included:
• 3231 speeding offences
• 530 unlicensed/disqualified/suspended drivers
• 466 disobey signs/signals
• 375 mobile phone offences
• 248 drink driving offences from 150,116 preliminary breath tests – a strike rate of one in 605 drivers tested
• 218 drug driving offences from 5,308 roadside drug tests – a strike rate of one in 24 drivers tested
• 149 vehicle impounds
• 131 seat belt offences; and
• 757 unregistered vehicles
Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir said: “Our message is clear –there is absolutely no excuse for drink or drug driving.
“Take the risk, and you will be caught.”
EXTORTION OF BRAYBROOK TRADER
■ Detectives from Taskforce Lunar have charged two men as part of their investigation into the alleged extortion of the owner of a Braybrook tobacco store earlier this year.
Police executed two warrants at properties in Port Melbourne and Broadmeadows last Thursday morning (Apr. 24), arresting a 26-yearold Port Melbourne man and a 21-year-old Broadmeadows man.
The pair were interviewed and subsequently each charged with one count of extortion with threat to destroy or endanger property.
The men were bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on April 28.
The arrests follow an incident at a Braybrook store on February 25.
Police will allege the men entered the store, telling the owner they were “Kaz’s boys” and demanding to be sold the store for $70,000.
An argument with the owner occurred and the men subsequently left the store.
Two days later the owner received a phone call threating that the shop would be burned down if he did not comply.
On March 24, a 29-yearold Port Melbourne man was arrested in relation to the incident and subsequently charged with extortion with threat to destroy or endanger property.
He will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on June 16.
The investigation remains ongoing.
COLAC
Gang involved
■ Detectives from the Clandestine Laboratory Squad charged two men, one a former patched member of the Hells Angels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, and located a clandestine laboratory in Colac. With assistance from the Geelong Divisional Response Unit, Colac Uniform members, Disaster Victim Identification team (specially trained members in dismantling a clan lab) and a forensic chemist, warrants were executed on Wednesday morning at three residential addresses and a business premises in Colac
Members from the Special Operations Group arrested a 49-year-old Colac man, a former patched member of the Hells Angels OMCG, shortly after 10am.
He was interviewed by investigators and charged with:
■ Possess articles to manufacture
■ Traffick methylamphetamine
■ Two counts of possess precursor chemicals
■ Two counts of possess drug of dependence
■ Possess prohibited weapon, and
■ Possess proceeds of crime
The man was remanded to appear at the Geelong Magistrates’ Court.
Statewide
Police seized a significant packed up clandestine laboratory from the address including glassware, equipment and precursor chemicals, 25kilograms of sodium sulphate and a small quantity of schedule 4 poison amongst other chemicals.
A large amount of Hells Angels memorabilia, quantities of methylamphetamine and cannabis, quantities of cash and a conducted energy device (taser) were also located.
A 55-year-old Colac man was charged with two counts of possess drug of dependence (methylamphetamine and cannabis).
He was bailed to appear at Colac Magistrates’ Court on June 26.
Small quantities of methylamphetamine and cannabis were seized from his address.
A 39-year-old Colac man was interviewed and released pending further enquiries.
PRAHRAN
Charges laid
■ Homicide Squad detectives have charged a second man with murder following a fatal stabbing in Prahran.
A 20-year-old Kurunjang man was arrested in Melton
He was interviewed by police and subsequently charged with one count of murder.
The man was remanded in
Across Victoria
WESTERN SUBURBS
Items seized
■ Detectives from the VIPER Taskforce have charged two men and seized luxury vehicles, watches and cash as part of an investigation into drug trafficking in the Sunshine and Footscray areas.
With assistance from the Public Order Response Team, Clandestine Laboratory Squad, Dog Squad and the Australian Federal Police’s Geomatics Team, two search warrants were executed at residential addresses in Sunshine North.
A 33-year-old Sunshine North man was charged with traffick commercial quantity drug of dependence (heroin), traffick drug of dependence (heroin), three counts of possess drug of dependence (heroin, cocaine and methylamphetamine) and five counts of deal property suspected proceeds of crime.
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
A 27-year-old Sunshine North man was charged with traffick drug of dependence (heroin), possess drug of dependence (heroin) and three counts of deal property suspected proceeds of crime.
He was bailed to appear at Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on August 21.
Police seized a 2024 orange Porsche Macan wagon, a 2022 Mercedes Benz GLC, a significant quantity of cash, two Rolex watches and various drugs of dependence in varying forms and packaging, including heroin, methylamphetamine and cocaine from the two properties.
Investigators will allege the men involved were trafficking drugs from their vehicles on a daily basis.
SHEPPARTON
Fatal collision
■ Police are investigating a fatal collision in Shepparton.
It is understood a car collided with a pedestrian on Wyndham St about 11pm Thursday (Apr. 24). The male pedestrian died at the scene.
The male driver of the vehicle was not injured and stopped at the scene.
MELBOURNE
Visa breaches
custody to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
The charges follow an alleged incident outside a licensed venue on Chapel St, Prahran, on Sunday, April 20.
Police were told a group of male offenders assaulted a 30year-old man, then chased him further down the street.
The Mickleham man sustained multiple stab wounds and was treated at the scene but died whilst being transported to hospital.
A 35-year-old Lidcombe man was arrested at Melbourne Airport on Monday, April 21.
He was charged with one count of murder, affray and assault related offences.
He was remanded in custody to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on September 4.
It is believed the parties involved were known to each other. The investigation remains ongoing.
VICTORIA Ghost camping
■ Caravan and Residential Parks Victoria is again calling on the State Government to urgently address problems with its free camping policy and expand the initiative to include regulated parks to reduce the issue of 'ghost camping'.
■ An Iraq-born man is expected to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday (Apr. 23) charged with allegedly failing to maintain his electronic monitoring device in accordance with his visa conditions.
The Australian Federal Police charged the man, 50, after locating him in Melbourne. It will be alleged the man breached the conditions of his Commonwealth visa between February 17 and April 21.
The man has been charged with seven counts of failing to maintain his electronic monitoring device, contrary to section 76D(3) of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth).
These offences carry a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and/or a $93,900 fine.
BARWON HEADS
Woman assaulted
■ Police have arrested a man following an alleged assault in Barwon Heads on Saturday, April 19.
It is alleged the woman was injured during a physical altercation on outside a venue on Bridge Rd just before 11pm.
A 45-year-old woman was airlifted to hospital, where she remains in a serious condition.
A 55-year-old Cremorne man was taken to hospital under police guard.
The Cremorne man has since been interviewed by detectives and released pending summons.
MELBOURNE
Offensive behaviour
■ A man will be charged with offensive behaviour after his yelling at the last Friday’s Dawn Service upset the solemn observance. Aboriginal leader Mark Brown was heckled by a small group.
● ● ● Melbourne Magistrates’ Court
September 14, 1969
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Incorporating the traditions of the Evelyn Observer (Est. 1873), Northcote Budget (Est. 1888), Heidelberg City News (Est. 1897), Preston Post (Est. 1888), Whittlesea Post (Est. 1935), Diamond Valley News (Est. 1959), Diamond ValleyWhittlesea Advertiser (Est. 1995).
The Local Paper is published weekly online and printed fortnightly and comprises local editions: • Northcote Budget
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Ash on Wednesday
‘Please visit Newlands School’
■ Preston MLA
Nathan Lambert has put out a call for Ben Carroll, Deputy Premier and Education Minister, to visit Newlands Primary School.
“The action I seek is for the minister to visit Newlands Primary School to officially open the school’s new gym, administration building and learning spaces,” Mr Lambert said.
“We have been lucky to have the Minister for Education up our way quite often recently, and I do want to just quickly touch first on his recent visit to Reservoir East Primary School.
“We are lucky enough to have a lot of fantastic schools in Preston and Reservoir , but Reservoir East Primary is a real standout in terms of its innovative educational approaches and its very strong and positive school culture.
“I think that is very much to the credit of principal James Cumming , assistant principal Linda Lavelle and all of the team they have put together.
“One thing that is very striking to me whenever I visit that school, as I did with the minister, is the way that they really go to great lengths to get the best outcomes, both educational outcomes and life outcomes, for their students.
“They squeeze the most out of any program or opportunity that comes their way.
“They are quite creative in the way they put different programs together to support their students, and they go out into our community and work
with other organisations to support their students. That shines through in all of their work but notably in their work around inclusion and also their work in Koori education, which is very well regarded across the northern suburbs.
“We had the opportunity to discuss that with James, Linda, Aunty Rikki, Josie, Dani, Nikol, the school council president Susan Arnall and a range of others during our visit.
“As is often the case, when you talk to people who are getting the most out of programs in order to support their students, you get the best feedback, and we appreciated that.
“It would be fantastic to have the minister back to do a very similar thing at Newlands Primary School to get feedback on some of their great programs.
“Notably they run the only bilingual Spanish primary school program in the state, and they partner with some Indigenous teachers from the bilingual Yirrkala School in north-east Arnhem Land
“We would also have the minister along to officially open the new facilities, which are the product of a very significant five-year rebuild that did take place across the challenging COVID period, and I would like to recognise the work on that project of the former member for Pascoe Vale Lizzie Blandthorn , the former member for Preston Robin Scott and longserving school council president Adam Palmer.”
Local Photo Flashback
Local News
Bridges closed
■ Two bridges along the Plenty River Trail between Kurdian Court and Maida Court in Yallambie have been closed for safety reasons.
Banyule Council found issues at the bridges during a recent inspection and need to do more checks before reopening them. “At this stage we can't say when the bridges will reopen,” said a Banyule Council representative.
The Local Paper is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the Standards may have been breached, you may approach The Local Paper or make a complaint to the Australian Press Council in writing at: www.presscouncil.org.au The Council may also be contacted on 1800 025 712.
BANYULE
Incorporating the traditions of the Heidelberg City News (Est. Mar. 26, 1897), Heidelberger (Est. Nov. 12, 1958) and Evelyn Observer (Est. Oct. 31, 1873). The Heidelberger area comprises Bellfield, Darebin, Eaglemont, Heidelberg, Heidelberg Heights, Heidelberg West, Ivanhoe, Ivanhoe East, Macleod, Rosanna, Watsonia, Viewbank and Yallambie. Banyule is home to more than 121,865 people, living in approximately 50,223 homes.
NORTHERN
Incorporating the traditions of the Preston Post (Est. 1888) and the Reservoir Times (Est. 1955) Preston Post-Reservoir Times area comprises Keon Park, Kingsbury, Northland, Preston, Preston East, Preston West, Regent, Reservoir, Reservoir East, Reservoir West. The City of Darebin is home to more than 146,719 people, living in approximately 63,562 homes.
SOUTHERN
Incorporating the traditions of the Northcote Budget (Est. 1888) Northcote Budget area comprises Alphington, Clifton Hill, Collingwood, Croxton, Dennis, Fairfield, Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Merri, Northcote, Thornbury and Westgarth. The City of Darebin is home to more than 146,719 people, living in approximately 63,562 homes.
NILLUMBIK
Incorporating the traditions of the Heidelberg City News (Est. Mar. 26, 1897), Diamond Valley News (Est. 1959) Evelyn Observer (Est. Oct. 31, 1873), and Eltham & Whittlesea Shires Advertiser The Diamond Valley News area comprises Briar Hill, Eltham, Greensborough, Lower Plenty, Montmorency and St Helena. Nillumbik Shire is home to more than 64,659 people, living in approximately 21,753 homes.
WHITTLESEA
Incorporating the traditions of the Whittlesea Post (Est. 1935), Whittlesea Chronicle, Whittlesea Advertiser, and Eltham & Whittlesea Shires Advertiser, Evelyn Observer (Est. Oct. 31, 1873). Whittlesea Post area comprises Bundoora, Epping, Epping North, Lalor, Mill Park, Thomastown, South Morang, Wollert. The City of Whittlesea is home to more than 197,491 people, living in approximately 71,014 homes.
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DAREBIN
● ● Nathan Lambert, Preston MLA
Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre Julie Houghton, The Arts Kevin Trask, Entertainment Aaron Rourke, Film Ted Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing
Cartoonist
Music
Vale Gerard Kennedy, Australian TV legend
Meet The Candidates
Meet Erin McGrath: Your Fierce Fusion Candidate for McEwen
Erin McGrath
I am Erin McGrath, here to be your voice in the McEwen electorate!
I’m not just running a campaign; I’m igniting a movement.
Our community deserves bold, passionate representation.
I will ensure your ideas and voices are amplified across Australia!
I stand firmly on three critical pillars: affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and sustainable economic growth.
Every person in McEwen deserves a safe place to call home, quality healthcare that doesn’t come with a price tag, and a support system where the cost of living doesn’t require you to sell your kidney to pay your bills.
If it matters to you, it matters to me—it’s that simple!
We must fix the NDIS and remove the red tape so people get the support they truly need without jumping through ridiculous hoops.
We need a fierce advocate in government who will champion our community's concerns and fight for change.
Together, we can break down barriers and ensure every voice is heard. Join me on this quest for justice and representation. Let’s make McEwen a force to be reckoned with!
Vote for Erin McGrath—Your unstoppable candidate for change!
Authorised by K Hunt, Fusion, 254 McLeod Lane, Mansfield
ALLAN CONDEMNS ANZAC PROTEST
■ Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan strongly condemned the disruption of last Friday’s ANZAC Dawn Service.
“A neo-Nazi disrupting this day is appalling - it has no place here,” Ms Allan said.
“ANZAC Day honours the values our ANZACs lived and died for: courage, loyalty, mateship, and sacrifice. Those who booed in the dark showed they have none of these qualities.
“To pierce the sombre silence of the Dawn Service is more than disrespect - it dishonours all who have served, fought and fallen.
“And to boo the Aboriginal servicemen and women who served our nation shows ignorance, hatred, and a complete lack of respect - for them, and for everything ANZAC Day stands for.
“Today and every day, we honour every Australian who has served the nation we are so lucky to call our home,” Ms Allan said.
Meet The Candidates
Helen Huang for Melbourne Fusion Party
● ● Helen Huang
HELEN HUANG for HELEN HUANG for HELEN HUANG for HELEN HUANG for Melbourne (F (F usion P usion P usion P usion P ar ar ty) ty)
Helen is a proud Australian of Chinese heritage, a single mother, a writer, an architectural designer, a domestic builder and a dynamic business entrepreneur. Helen has lived in Melbourne for 30 years and values our democracy. As your local representative, she prioritizes the needs of residents, businesses and workers.
Together we'll develop progressive
policies for our community. https://www.fusionparty.org.au/ helen_huang_melbourne https://helenhuanginde.com.au/
A New Melbourne (A national hub for innovation, industry & finance/ High-speed rail)
■ Foster innovation by reducing bureaucracy, investing in science and technology and creating a competitive industry.
■ Boost the economy by utilizing Australia’s seawater for renewable hydrogen energy.
■ Build a high-speed rail link between Melbourne and the airport Reducing Cost of Living Reducing Cost Living Reducing Cost of Living Reducing Cost Living
■ Controlling Inflation through housing reforms, energy bill relief, stopping supermarket gouging.
■ Boost Funding for Community & Public Housing programs to ensure affordable housing.
■ Promoting Universal Basic Income (UBI) to empower people have a balanced life.
■ More bulk-billing Medicare clinics & 7-11 clinics, also covering essential dental & mental health check-ups.
Build a Harmonious Society a Society Build a Harmonious Society a Society
■ Create an organization that protects whistleblowers.
■ Strengthen police departments at key locations for quick crime response.
■ Develop more green spaces to connect with nature and build community friendships.
Editor, Ash Long, Melbourne.
●
● ● ● Actor Gerard Kennedy, best known for has Division 4 role, has died at age 93. He was pictured in 2020 with his with his daughter, granddaughter, and great granddaughter. Photo courtesy of Chrisanya Ashcroft, Gerard's daughter
ADVERTORIAL
● ● Jacinta Allan, Premier
ARIES (March 21 - April 20)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Tuesday
Racing Numbers: 4, 2, 5, 3
Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 23, 36, 35, 9
A restless period is ahead, and things may not move as quickly as you’d like. Though offers are coming, progress is slow for now. In your career, you'll likely impress the right people.
TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Thursday
Racing Numbers: 4, 3, 2, 5
Lotto Numbers: 1, 15, 26, 34, 45, 8
Taking a calculated risk could lead to surprising success. A gamble might pay off, but be sure to know who your true friends are before taking their advice.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)
Lucky Colour: Violet
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 6, 2
Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 26, 25, 40, 33
New projects and opportunities are opening up. There will be surprises in both domestic and career environments. However, a close relative or associate may block some of your progress.
CANCER (June 22 - July 22)
Lucky Colour: Cream
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 5, 9
Lotto Numbers: 1, 15, 26, 34, 8, 5
A busy period with plenty of travel related to business responsibilities. Opportunities to improve your financial situation will arise, though success will depend on your personal efforts.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Lucky Colour: Mauve
Lucky Day: Saturday
Racing Numbers: 6, 2, 3, 5
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 26, 34, 43, 2
Make sure others are on the same wavelength before committing to partnerships, whether in love or finance. Singles may meet someone special during this period.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)
Lucky Colour: Fawn
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 6, 9
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 15, 26, 35, 45
A financial boost is indicated, making this a good time to ask for favours or even a raise. Avoid unnecessary spending on household items. This is also an excellent time to show off your leadership skills and impress the right people.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Racing Numbers: 4, 2, 3, 6
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 15, 26, 34, 40
Your career and social life should blend well, and new acquaintances could be highly supportive. However, be careful not to spend money you don’t have—focus on paying off old debts first.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)
Lucky Colour: Hot Pink
Lucky Day: Friday
Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 5, 9
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 26, 35, 36, 33
Changing your approach will yield positive results. An unexpected trip may be necessary during this period, and old friends could provide the support and advice you need.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Thursday
Racing Numbers: 1, 9, 4, 5
Lotto Numbers: 1, 15, 24, 45, 40, 33
Gaining favour with superiors will be easier if you stick to your plans. A friend’s request could put you in a winning position, both personally and professionally.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)
Lucky Colour: Peach
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 1, 8, 4, 4
Lotto Numbers: 1, 15, 45, 40, 22, 21
Increased communication with distant contacts may result in a change of address. Many Capricorns could return to school or acquire new skills, expanding their future opportunities.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Tuesday
Racing Numbers: 4, 2, 1, 2
Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 26, 35, 8, 40
Caution is needed in financial dealings. The smart move is to pay off outstanding debts before committing to new agreements. Avoid confiding in people you don’t know well.
PISCES (February 20 - March 20)
Lucky Colour: Apricot
Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 7, 5, 1, 4
Lotto Numbers: 7, 15, 28, 40, 11, 1
Avoid provoking trouble and focus on staying calm. Your hidden talents could shine, and many people may begin to appreciate you both professionally and socially.
‘Loose with the truth’
Sir,
The Liberal candidate for Indi (James Trenery) continues to fail to be loose with the truth and light on detail (Local Paper Regional Edition, Apr. 16).
Mr Trenery said no mobile phone towers have been funded in Indi in the last term of parliament, then walked that statement back to one.
In fact, since the last election, Indi has received Commonwealth funding for four new mobile towers and five Indi received funding for three towers in Indi under Round 2 of the Regional Connectivity Program in October 2022. Those towers are online at Boho South ($675,000), Tarrawingee ($519,000) and Goorambat ($232,000).
Then, on December 11, 2023 Indi received $967,000 for a new macro mobile site at Kennedys Point (Bonnie Doon) under Round 3 of the Regional Connectivity Program. Indi also received $2.36 million for Fibre to the Premises NBN in Harrietville
Since my election, I have worked with local communities, telcos and councils through the Indi Telecommunications Advisory Group. Working together Indi has been the most successful electorate in Victoria for funding under the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Funding. Community leadership and collaboration gets results and shows why being Independent works for Indi.
- Helen Haines MP, 117 Murphy St, Wangaratta
So close to the city
Sir,
Growing up on the Mornington Peninsula on Bunurong Country, I became fascinated by the birds and wildlife that I would find in the bush, wetlands and along the coast.
Sadly, over time, I’ve seen many of those species dwindle as their habitat is cleared and degraded.
But just offshore in Western Port lies French Island, a remarkable sanctuary for wildlife that remains fox-free.
Whenever I visit French Island, it’s like stepping into the past. It’s a living ark of species that were once present or common on the Peninsula when I was growing up.
With fewer threats than the mainland, habitat on the island is healthy and diverse.
The island is today recognised as a vital safe haven for wildlife – which is one of the reasons we are working with landholders there to protect and care for habitat, as you can read in our latest Conservation Bulletin.
French Island may be a window into the past, but it also provides hope for the future. There are many more places around Victoria where habitat needs to be protected and threats need to be managed –and we need your support to do so.
Observer Mailbag
Short letters (no more than 200 words) on local subjects are invited from readers. Email to: editor@Melbourne Observer.com.au
Letters must be short and may be edited. All letters to be considered for publication must have a name, street address and phone number so their authenticity can be checked. An email address is not sufficient.
This is even more important as the climate changes and extreme weather events like fire become more frequent and intense, as we have seen over the past summer in western Victoria
By doing so, we can create a future where nature and people thrive together.
- Dr Doug Robinson, Chief Conservation Scientist, Trust for Nature
Women’s safety
Sir,
National resources from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety reveal what’s working — and what still needs to change
It’s a confronting question: Why invest in programs for men who use violence?
According to Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety, these interventions aren’t just important — they’re essential to breaking the cycle of violence.
When delivered well, interventions that work with men who use domestic, family and sexual violence can enhance safety and support women and children to live free from violence.
To strengthen the national response, ANROWS has released a suite of evidence-informed resources that bring to
gether the latest research, practice insights and evaluation.
These include:
■ A national Evidence Brief synthesising Australian and international research on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs;
■ A new Quality Practice Expectations framework to support the delivery of high-quality, accountable programs, informed by new research insights from the Northern Territory.
■ A summary of the latest evaluation of Men’s Behaviour Change Programs
Together, these resources provide a roadmap for what works — and how to deliver programs that prioritise safety while supporting meaningful change.
“The idea of supporting men who use violence can be confronting within a sector that is already facing unmet demand for support from victim/survivors,” said Dr Tessa BoydCaine, CEO of ANROWS
“But if we’re serious about ending domestic, family and sexual violence, we must address the behaviour of those who cause harm, holding men who use violence accountable while supporting them to change.”
Informed by a range of research and practice insights from the Northern Territory, the Quality Practice Expectations provide a consistent standard for service delivery, with women’s and children’s safety at the centre.
The Quality Practice Expectations are informed by new research. An evaluation of two men’s behaviour programs delivered by CatholicCare NT and Tangentyere Council, offers lessons for national systems. The programs work directly with men who use violence, while also supporting their partners and families. The evaluation highlighted key elements such as strong follow-up if men disengage, prioritising partner safety, collaboration with other services, and the importance of Aboriginal-led delivery. It also identified ongoing challenges — including limited referral pathways, a lack of post-program support, under-resourced responses for children, and short-term funding constraints.
Key findings include:
■ Most men who use violence never access a program.
■ Long-term support is needed for lasting change.
■ Tailored approaches work better than one-size-fits-all.
■ Co-ordination with other services improves outcomes.
■ Enhanced safety for women and children can be achieved, even if little or no behavioural change occurs.
“These programs show what’s possible and why stronger systems are essential,” said Dr Boyd-Caine.
With the right knowledge, frameworks and investment, Australia can shift from crisis response to long-term prevention — holding perpetrators accountable while supporting real change.
- Greg Townley, by email
100% for Carlton
■ Thirteen-year-old Carl Foley, captain of the Under 14 football team at St Patrick's school, Mentone, has one ambition -- to play with Carlton
In 1949 he was the Blues' mascot in the grand final against Essendon. They lost, but this did not discourage Carl. He's determined to play with them when he is I8.
He says Carlton are a "cert for the premiership this year." heir recent defeat by Hawthorn? "Bad luck.
"We have had a bad run for the last few .years, but with our new players we can't miss out," he said.
Carl's football idols are Doug Guy, Ken Hands, and "Chocker" Howell.
£268 per acre
■ Mr. Max Peart, of Bairnsdale, paid £268 per acre for 14 acres of rich river flat and hill land at Picnic Point, near Bairnsdale
Bad, mad to fight
■ LONDON - Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden said today: "Any group of men would have to be not only "bad, but mad to unleash a war," in a manifesto launching his Conservative Party's campaign for the general election of May 26.
For Diggers
■ East Melbourne's crippled and aged war veterans will get their tram shelter.
The old Diggers are members of the Totally and Permanently Disabled Soldiers' Association , which.has club rooms in Clarendon st
On Thursday,The Argus drew attention to the need for a shelter to protect the old soldiers.
Mr. R. J. H. Risson, Tramways Board chairman, said last night the shelter was on order, and would be erected as soon as possible,
It would be built at the corner of Clarendon st. and Wellington pde., back from the footpath on railway land.
Junior police
■ Twenty-six proud youths will "fall in" at the St. Kilda rd. police depot on Monday morning for the first parade of the newly formed Junior Police Corps. The youths, aged between 16 and 18, have been hand picked.
Your Senate vote is just as important as your representative vote. Use your senate vote to get more crossbenchers into the senate to hold the major parties to account.
Vote 1 Fusion!
Authorised by K Hunt, McLeod Lane, Mansfield, Vic
The Whip
Inside Information from State and Federal Parliaments
Albanese favourite
■ Pundits are predicting that Anthony Albanese will be returned as Prime Minister in the Federal Election this Saturday (May 3), perhaps with an increased majority.
Analyst Michelle Grattan of The Conversation said: “This election has been lacklustre, without the touch of excitement of some past campaigns. Through the decades, campaigning has changed dramatically, adopting new techniques and technologies.”
Professor of history at the Australian National University, Frank Bongiorno, said debates between the leaders "have become something that I think a lot of people shun”.
Of the record amount of pre-polling, he said: “It probably makes leaving the release of policy – and perhaps even costings as well – to the last minute a riskier venture, because if you do have goodies on offer, they’re going to miss anyone who has already voted.”
Allan’s COVID bug
■ Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is being plagued with news from the past, especially relating to the state’s COVID lockdowns.
It has been revealed that one COVID lockdown was decided upon by State Cabinet for political, not health, reasons.
Ms Allan has also been plagued with the news of an Ambulane Victoria funeral that broke all the lockdown rules.
Ms Allan is the sole remaining Labor Minister from the Cabinet of that era.
Labor on offensive
■ As Australia heads towards Saturday’s election, Labor has gone on the offensive against the Coalition in key marginal seats after gaining a boost in published opinion polls.
Nine Newspapers report thatGovernment MPs are warning that their core support remains at risk from a backlash over the cost of living.
“Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stepped up his visits to seats once seen as leaning to the Liberals, highlighting a shift in the campaign as Labor insiders express growing confidence in holding power at the election on May 3,” said The Age.
“The Coalition is fighting back in Labor’s heartland in the hope suburban voters will punish Albanese over rising prices and help the Liberals win seats such as McEwen in northern Melbourne.”
McEwen is held by Rob Mitchell for the ALP. A redistribution of the seat has made the election result far from certain, according to poll watchers.
ILLEGAL FISHERMEN FORFEIT $285,OOO BOAT
■ Two men who fished illegally including falsifying commercial catch records over 10 months have been convicted.
They were handed 300-hour corrections orders and forfeited their $285,000 boat, while a company associated with the pair has been convicted and fined more than $80,000.
The brothers in their 50s, from Williamstown and Portland, and the company were sentenced in the Geelong Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to dealing with fish taken in contravention of the Fisheries Act and breaches of fisheries licence conditions.
An investigation led by the Victorian Fisheries Authority found between June 2020 and April 2021 the men falsified catch and effort records, left rock lobster pots set during the closed season and used 135 more pots than allowed under a rock lobster and giant crab fishery licence, among other offences.
One of the men was also convicted of interfering with another commercial fishing operator’s equipment and taking their catch.
In sentencing the men, Magistrate Franz Holzer ordered the forfeiture of the 18-metre vessel ‘Amayos’, 263 rock lobster pots, floats and ropes and handed each of the men a conviction, a $6000 fine and a 300-hour community corrections order. The company that employed the men was also convicted and fined $82,500.
VFA Director of Enforcement and Education Ian Parks said the case represented some of the most significant offending ever detected in Victoria and the estimated proceeds from the illegal sale of fish totalled more than $370,000.
“This is one of the largest and most complex investigations the VFA has undertaken and it uncovered and put a stop to behaviour that risked the sustainability of our rock lobster and giant crab fisheries,” Mr Parks said.
“Officers assessed catch and effort data, analysed vessel monitoring systems, undertook surveillance of the operators back at port and travelled hundreds of kilometres to the continental shelf west of King Island to retrieve the pots that were later forfeited.
“Due to how these fisheries are managed the falsification of records can have a significant impact on their sustainability. Once the underreporting was detected it led to a 28 per cent reduction in the total allowed commercial catch in the giant crab fishery.
“Victoria has world-class fisheries and we will continue to focus on serious fisheries crime to ensure that remains the case for future generations.
“The men and company also face potential confiscation proceedings in the County Court where pecuniary penalty orders may be made for the proceeds of fish unlawfully taken.”
Magistrate Holzer said it was a “very, very serious example of this kind of offending” involving “considerable concealment”, while handing down total penalties, costs and compensation orders close to $650,000.
AGGRAVATED HOME
INVASIONS
■ Detectives from the Financial Crime Squad have charged four men as part of an investigation into an aggravated home invasion in Altona Meadows.
Police will allege that four men attended a Victoria St address around 8.30pm on Monday, January 20 in a stolen vehicle, forcing entry into the property before threatening the occupants.
A man living at the address was assaulted and conveyed to hospital to be treated for nonlife threatening injuries.
A second man fled and was subsequently contacted by the offenders, who allegedly made demands for money or threatened to shoot him. Police became aware of a second incident in Shepparton earlier that same day.
Vic. Fisheries Authority takes brothers to Court
Critical injury
■ Melbourne Highway Patrol officers are investigating after a car struck a pedestrian in Fitzroy lastWednesday afternoon (Apr. 23).
It is understood the male pedestrian was struck by a white Ford Transit on Victoria Pde between Napier St and George St about 3.25pm.
The pedestrian, a 21-year-old man, was taken to hospital with critical life-threatening injuries.
The male driver and sole occupant of the Ford stopped at the scene and rendered assistance.
$1m meth seized
■ Police have dismantled an alleged drug trafficking syndicate operating out of Mildura, seizing more than $1 million worth of methylamphetamine.
Four people were arrested, including a patched member of the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, following a series of coordinated warrants in Mildura.
Police intercepted a vehicle in Red Cliffs shortly before 12 Noon on Tuesday (Apr. 22).
A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered approximately two kilograms of methylamphetamine valued around $1 million - a large commercial quantity.
The driver, a 27-year-old Wyndham Vale man was arrested in Red Cliffs, and was charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine. He was to appear at Mildura Magistrates’ Court.
A 35-year-old Mildura man, who is a patched member of the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, was arrested and charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine.
A 37-year-old Mildura woman was charged with trafficking methylamphetamine and was bailed to appear at Mildura Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Apr. 28)
A 38-year-old Mildura woman was released pending further enquiries.
Local Business Profile
Allen and team of Muddy Creek Health Hub, Yea
I have been working as a massage therapist in Yea, at my home for the last 15 years.
I have supported people's relaxation, remedial or correctional and palliative care treatments for this community and it's been an honor..
I have always been fascinated by the body and finding ways of helping people in pain and learning to see if we can push past our symptoms to heal on a deep or lasting level.
It's always been a dream of mine to be part of a health hub that includes different types of therapists and modalities coming together.
Technology is happening in our health care industry and with so many amazing minds and by still using old fashioned foundations there is some seriously successful solutions for people's pain and healthcare needs.
My clinic is lucky enough to have Rebecca Bullen join the team as a Remedial Therapist who brings the same values with a different touch to her care for clients.
I have also introduced a Telsa
Former which uses Functional Magnetic Stimulation machine that can change our body on a very deep physiological level.
It supports problems around inflammation, pain, muscular atrophy and injury, stimulates the lymphatic system and supports drainage.
Weight loss or cellulite reduction or body sculpting. Pelvic floor issues and incontinence problems have had huge success and erectile dysfunction also has some.
We have an awesome team to begin with of Rebecca Bullen, Nicole Schryver, Grace Hamilton and myself who look forward to being part of Yea and districts healthcare solutions.
My telephone number is 0419 625 536 if you would like to talk more or even come in and have a look around at our facilities. The clinic's number is 0417 658 366 or email us at info@muddycreekhealthhub. com.au
Our address is 7 The Semi Circle, Yea. The old medical Centre and the old dentist.
● ● ● ● Rock lobster.
Photos: Vic. Fisheries Authority
● ● ● ● Anthony Albanese
Michelle
PAID ADVERTORIAL
● ● ● ● Michelle Allen, Nicole Schryver, Bek Bullen and Grace Hamilton
Chutzpah
■ Chutzpah is an exhibition at the Jewish Museum of Australia, 26 Alma Rd, St Kilda, opening on May 1.
Chutzpah brings together 10 artists from around the world who use a range of art forms to explore the complexity of what it means to be Jewish today.
The JMA will transform into a vibrant showcase of over 20 loaned and newly commissioned artworks spanning painting, sculpture, video and installation, inviting audiences to explore how identity, culture and place intersect in profound and diverse ways.
It features works by Ori Gersht, Jordy Kerwick, Joel Mesler, Navot Miller, Inbal Nissim, Hedy Ritterman, Elinor Sahm, Nina Sanadze, Stephania Windholz Leigh and Allison Zuckerman. It is curated by Alana Kushnir.
Arts Extra
Fragments of Light – Jesse Dayan
Fragments of Light presents a series of paintings is rooted in the everyday life of Melbourne, capturing intimate tableaux that reflect the changing seasons, nostalgia, and the connections between people and place.
Influenced by the loose, expressive studies of Edward Hooper and Edouard Manet, as well as the urban scenes of Edwin Hawthorne and the distilled compositions of Felix Vallotton, Jesse Dayan’s paintings offer a contemporary take on Modernist details.
Exhibition closes May 3. ★
Lipwurrungra – Les Huddleston
From the shimmering waters of the Roper River the Barramundi’s life unfolds – a dance of revival and resilience, moving with the tides of nature and tradition.
This powerful life cycle is at the heart of Lipwurrungra , showcasing Les Huddleston’s life and work.
This is a tribute to the landscapes, the wonders of nature and traditional stories of Arnhem Land, NT
Through vibrant paintings, traditional wood carvings and didgeridoos, this exhibition connects ancient knowledge and practices with contemporary creativity and expression. Each work explores themes of sustainability, culture, and the deep and constant connection between people and Country. Exhibition opens April 30 and closes June 14.
Town Hall Gallery 360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn - Peter Kemp
At Heide
Blak In-Justice: Incarceration and Resilience calls attention to the pressing issue of incarceration in Australia.
Curated by Kent Morris, Barkindji artist, curator and Creative Director of The Torch, the ground breaking exhibition has been developed in partnership with Heide Museum of Modern Art.
It presents works by leading First Nation artists including Vernon Ah Kee, Gordon Bennett, Destiny Deacon, Julie Dowling, Jimmy Pike and Judy Watson that address the overrepresentation of Indigenous Australians in the criminal legal system and the crisis of deaths in custody.
Their powerful responses are shown alongside the remarkable creative achievements of former and current prison inmates, many of whom have connected with their culture and Country through The Torch program.
Exhibition closes July 29.
Heide Museum of Modern Art Templestowe Rd, Bulleen - Peter Kemp
People Pars
■ Georgia Frances King has commenced as Managing Editor of Domain, overseeing Domain Magazine in The Saturday Age and AFR
■ Sophie Howe has started as a Senior Editor for Harper's Bazaar Australia
Hysteria: draw your own conclusions
■ The thought-provoking political thriller Hysteria is the centrepiece movie for the German Film Festival, presented by Palace Cinemas in Melbourne from May 2-21.
Written and directed by Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay, Hysteria takes moviegoers on an unnerving journey of psychological twists and turns.
Set in modern-day Germany, a film company replicates the historical burning of a home where members of a Turkish family died after an arson attack by Germans.
The crew includes protagonist Elif (Devrim Lingnau), a young, diligent intern working as second assistant.
Filmmaker Yigit (Serkan Kaya) has invited migrants from a Refugee Centre to be extrasSaid (Mehdi Meskar), Majid (Nazmi Kirik) and Mustafa (Aziz Çapkurt) - and to clear the debris. All goes well until a burnt copy of the Quran is discovered on the charred set.
The burning of the Quran disrupts dynamics between crew and extras, triggering an explosion of varying perspectives - a racist attack against Islam - burning the sacred text is liberating – or, it was accidental.
Producer Lilith (Nicolette Krebitz) asks Elif to defuse the situation by looking after the refugee extras and the film cassettes.
Here, the psychological torment begins for Elif. Lost keys, a stranger has her address and keys, the cassettes disappear, and her computer spy-cam detects a night intruder.
Director Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay effectively uses ominous-toned music, shadows and dark figures to heighten tension. Lingnau’s (Elif) minimal facial expression, whether happy or terrified, enhances the dramatic effect.
Adding another tier to the suspicion of the missing items and who reported the burnt Quran, is flirtation between Elif and refugee Said and suggested affair between Lilith and refugee Mustafa.
The film is said to navigate the tension of art, faith and cultural differences which it does, but some matters remain unresolved.
Artistically, the photography is splendid, as is the naturalistic acting. Narrative-wise, I recommend you see Hysteria to draw your own conclusion.
Visit www.palacecinemas.com for screening times..
Review by Cheryl Threadgold
Josephine Wants To Dance
■ ‘Josephine Wants to Dance’ and now so do I. I was extremely fortunate to attend the Monkey Baa Theatre Company's amazing musical production Josephine Wants To Dance, based on the popular Australian picture book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley at the perfectly suited intimate setting of the Alexander Theatre Monash University.
This uplifting, funny and engaging show delighted the audience of children, parents and grandparents alike. I attended with a mum, child and grandma, who were most enthralled for an entire 50 minutes.
It was heartwarming to hear children giggling at the appropriate jokes and gasping in awe at the jaw-dropping, vibrant costumes.
I was incredibly impressed with the versatility of the performers who switched from one character to the next, changing their elaborate costumes, accents and various dance styles to depict their roles.
The actors also managed to fit changing sets in between the many costume changes!
The colorful and functional set design lent itself to speedy and efficient changes, complimented by subtle lighting.
I admired the suitably child-friendly, catchy musical numbers that introduced various genres of song and dance to their young audience, and I applaud the sound design and sound operator for the marvelous balance of voice and accompaniment.
A lovely feature of this production is a lesson to be learned - that everyone can have the opportunity to shine if they choose to and work towards their goals.
This production is a charming way to intro-
duce the world of song and dance to the young and I am sure many children left the theatre with the desire to take ballet lessons.
This high-quality Australian production will be touring regional Victorian centres until May 3 and nationally until September.
More information and tickets are available on their website: monkeybaa.com.au
- Review by Lucy Nicolson
Submissions open for Bowness Prize
■ Submissions are now open for the 20th anniversary of the Bowness Photography Prize.
There have been major uplifts to the prize, making it secure for future generations, and which see it becoming the richest cash prize for photography in the country.
A substantial philanthropic gift from the Bowness Family Foundation has enabled these developments.
Theree will be a richer prize offering, with $50,000 for the winner and $2500 cash prizes for two Honourable Mentions. The fund also enables loan fees for all shortlisted artists.
In 2006 a gift from the Bowness family established the William and Winifred Bowness Photography Prize: a landmark art prize that was the first of its kind in Australia championing photography as an artform.
The gift to the Museum of Australian Photography Foundation (then Monash Gallery of Art Foundation) set up and secured a $10,000 annual prize, open to all Australian artists working with photography. The prize increased over time to $30,000 per annum.
In the 20 years since its establishment more than 12,000 artists Australia-wide have been inspired to submit entries into the prize.
Over 1000 artists’ works have been displayed at the annual exhibition of finalists, with 20 of these acquired by MAPh for its permanent collection.
A total of $507,000 in prize money has been awarded to the annual winning artists, recognising excellence and innovation, and supporting their ongoing practice.
Having witnessed its far-reaching impact over two decades, MAPh, the MAPh Foundation and the Bowness family recognise the impact a prize can have on artists and their practice.
Past prize winners have included local and internationally renowned artists such as Hoda Afshar, Pat Brassington, Amos Gebhardt, Petrina Hicks, Christian Thompson and Anne Zahalka.
A new $1million philanthropic gift from the Bowness Family Foundation will reinforce the prominence of the prize and cement the importance of photography into the future by supporting a number of new initiatives.
Submissions close Friday, June 13. - Contributed
An Age To Remember
■ Sporting a fabulous velvet jumpsuit under bold, bright lights, performer and writer Abbey Hampton certainly makes her show, ‘An Age to Remember’, an incredibly fun, reflective and energetic night to remember for audiences.
Laced with songs, personal stories and crowd interactive games, ‘An Age To Remember’ is Hampton's way of reflecting on all the advice she was given when entering her 20s.
Hampton is relatable and in touch with the collective concerns of millions of millennial age Australians, yet also reflective and reminiscent on the unique mistakes or regrets she herself carried through the decade.
Aided with comedically statistical PowerPoint graphs about the prefrontal cortex, dissections of her decade old Facebook posts, and Venn diagrams concerning the ‘tricycle’ of advice for your twenties, Hampton orchestrates a colourful, fast paced, and nostalgic show that makes her feel like the wise older sister you never had.
Notably, Hampton explores an emotional depth that most comedians stray away from.
Her transparency and honesty about body image and the western attitude towards female bodies was both refreshing and grounding, as she reminded audiences that we cannot waste away our lives being worried about how our looks or appearances are perceived.
Overall, ‘An Age To Remember’ is unique and truly one of a kind. Hampton is a diamond in the rough and, if you’re looking for a comedian who is witty, relatable, and can write an excellent musical score, hers is certainly a name to look out for.
- Review by Matilda
Caughey
En Pointe
■ The Australian Ballet School presents En Pointe, as part of Morning Melodies on Tuesday, May 13 at 11 am and 1.30pm at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne.
Featuring talented full time senior and preprofessional students of The Australian Ballet School, the mixed program of works will celebrate the art of ballet from uplifting contemporary to the beautifully traditional.
Choreographers of the works presented in En Pointe include Lucas Jervies, Marius Petipa, Melanie Moravski Dechnicz, Kevin Jackson and Prue Lang
This year celebrates 40 years of Morning Melodies . For further details, visit artscentremelbourne.com.au/festival-andseries/morning-melodies/2025-program
Performance date: Tuesday, May 13 at 11am and 1pm
Venue: Hamer Hall, Arts Centre, Melbourne
Bookings: artscentremelbourne.com.au
Cheryl Threadgold
Yirramboi
■ Yirramboi's 2025 Festival is being presented from May 1-11 at various Melbourne CBD venues.
The Festival is set to close with Barring Yanabul (‘We all walk the path’) and The Uncle Archie Roach Block Party, transforming the heart of Melbourne with live music, DJs, voguing, performance art and installation - breaking away from colonial spaces and returning stories to Country that have held them for over 80,000 years.
“We are incredibly excited to bring Barring Yanabul and The Uncle Archie Roach block party to life again as the official closing party of Yirramboi 2025," says J-Maine Beezley, Co-Lead, Yirrmaboi.
The Uncle Archie Roach Block Party will be held on Saturday, May 10 from 1pm to 3am
The full program of Yirramboi Futures, past events, dates, times and venues can be sourced on yirramboi.com.au
"This activation is more than just an artistic showcase; it is a powerful expression of evolutionary First Nations creativity,” said says J-Maine Beezley.
Cheryl Threadgold
● ● ● ● Devrim Lingnau (Elif) in Hysteria.
Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless
Casey Filips, Virtuoso
■ Virtuoso stars Casey Filips as the pompous and pretentious British actor, Tobias FinleyFraser, in this solo comedy master class of a show.
Co-opted as casting directors, the audience reserves its collective judgement on auditionee number 86, Finley-Fraser.
A classically-trained actor and veteran, Finley-Fraser reveals, of 300 similar cattle call auditions.
Like the legendary Alexander Dane from the iconic Galaxy Quest, Finley-Fraser is a graduate of RADA and the National Theatre.
How Revolting! Sorry To Offend
■ “You have been watching Milo Edwards,” reads the headline of a card listing a glossary of British terms and references, laying on the seat of each audience member.
Claiming that the show was the most ‘British’ show that he has ever written, it provided an insight into the many eccentricities and foibles of British life.
A far cry from his last Festival offering of ‘Sentimental’, a somewhat dark reflective work on the death of his parents.
And British it was, as he was quick to tell us his accent mistakes him for a posh person, even though his family roots are from County Essex, the home of UK’s bogans, and as a 30-something male confessing to having dated posh girls, and not just one. And of course there were the days he went to Cambridge for his very posh education.
So setting the tone of his background, Edwards then hit the British Class system, with some very schmick one liners interspersed with raw unforgiving facts.
●
●
●
● Nathan Hugh Robért in Tiny King.
■ Nathan Hugh Robért returned to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with a reworked version of Tiny King, directed by Taylor Griffiths at the Motley Bauhaus in Carlton.
Is it a play, stand-up, or a self-deprecating monologue with a dash of audience participation?
Honestly, it’s none of the above—and hard to define. What it is, though, is deeply personal. Robért lays himself bare—especially when it comes to being short, sexy/not sexy, exposing his vulnerability and flaws with disarming honesty.
And it takes deadpan to the next level— Robért never even cracks a smile. It was intriguing that, not once but twice, audience members felt compelled to apologise for laughing … at a comedy show!
The striking thing about Tiny King lies in the intense awkwardness of it all. The uneasy dread of lurking audience participation at any moment, paired with Robért’s sense of despair, creates a kind of shared social anxiety.
His feigned frustration that the audience is laughing in all the wrong places—ironically, very funny—only heightens the tension. We feel as though we’re letting him down, rather than he’s failing us. Is that genius?
The narrative conceit—Robért as a dethroned monarch who lost his kingdom’s gold in a bad investment—doesn’t entirely land. Most of us already feel like royalty in our own little domains, and the metaphor doesn’t add much. The more relatable thread is simply the need to make a living—and if creating the best comedy show of all time is your ambition, are you setting yourself up for failure?
Tiny King is absurd, deeply awkward, and strangely captivating. While his spontaneous, witty and slightly defensive ad-lib responses bring levity, a little more content and an upbeat ending could propel this into the next realm.
- Review by Beth
Klein
Songwriters Night
■ As part of the Nillumbik Festival of Stories, the inaugural Nillumbik Songwriters Night will take place on Friday, May 2 at Allwood House Gardens to celebrate the wealth of songwriting talent in the community.
The free event will be hosted by 88.6 Plenty Valley FM in conjunction with Allwood Neighbourhood House, and will showcase the works of up and coming songwriters who have a connection to Nillumbik
Performers will be given 15 minutes each to perform their original songs.
The Songwriters Night will start at 6pm and conclude at 9pm.
Allwood House Gardens are at 901 Main Rd, Hurstbridge
Further information about the event can be found at: allwoodhouse.org.au
- Richard Stal
Finley-Fraser has kept up his skill level with numerous short courses in prolonged singing Level 5, dramatic pausing Level 6, and pregnant pausing Level 7, all of which he demonstrates.
Finley-Fraser presents the audience with signed headshots that increase in size until he reveals a giant poster as a backdrop.
Next, he presents his reviews, such as fivestar Uber Eats, and a community Neighbourhood Watch, watch and act public notice.
Absurdities abound in this crazy show, where the audience participates in making the improv elements work so well.
Two willing participants join Finley-Fraser onstage and are put through increasingly bizarre paces.
Finley-Fraser deadpans through a spectacularly ridiculous Attenborough-esque skit as a horny manatee with audience member Kevin, enacting his manatee love interest.
Calls from his agent interrupt at awkward moments.
Another audience member is handed the phone as Finley-Fraser sprints to deliver an Uber Eats order.
The ante is upped as the situations get more and more outlandish.
In a finale featuring some optimistic forwardprojecting, Finley-Fraser attends the Academy Awards night and follows with his own fragrance, Desperation.
There is nothing desperate about this comedian, though. Casey Filips is desperately good.
- Review by Kathryn Keeble
One For The Record Books
■ A fascination with the Guinness Book of World Records exposed Julian O’Shea to many of the world's quirky and weirdest world records.
And so he questioned the provenance of these records. Will they ever be broken and what do you do to become a record breaker?
His desideratum to break a world record all started as a child, and indeed over the years he has travelled the world as well as Australia in his many attempts to create his own world records, just so he could brag to all as well indulging in self-satisfaction.
He shared a powerpoint presentation with a part he called the Guinness Book of questionable records, one in the 1950s, “Most Murders in a Day” and a later record in the 1980s, of that of an Australian Prime Minister scoffing a beer in 12.1 seconds.
Records that surely have been, or should have been, challenged since and are of course nowhere as good as his personal collection of World Records.
Just two of the many that he racked-up for recognition, “Travelling for 46 hours over the One Day” (clue is the Date Line) and “Skateboarding in snow conditions above 5000 feet”.
With his love of trams and trains - he cited the record held in Melbourne of having the most southerly tram line in the world, and Melbourne still waiting for a train line to an airport after 50 years, both very creditable records that he included in his own AI Volume of Guinness Book of World Records
O’Shea demonstrated his ability to recall obscure facts, and present them in a credible and fervent performance.
While it may be his style, he did rush many
● Casey Filips lines where the pace could have been more relaxed, giving rise to a clearer understanding of his many punchlines.
- Review by Graeme McCoubrie
The Abduction of the Seraglio
■ The Lyster Opera Company will continue a regional tour of its production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Die Entführung Aus Dem Serail, The Abduction of the Seraglio, with two performances at the Irene Mitchell Studio in South Yarra at 2pm on May 3 and 4, and at the Moe Town Hall on May 11.
Rachel Buckley, pictured here as Madame Carandini, describes the production as 'charming ... with glorious costumes and talented young singers.'
Lyster Opera derives its name from William Saurin Lyster (1828-1880), an Irish-born entrepreneur who made it his mission to provide opera to the growing population of Australia. Today the Melbourne suburb of Lysterfield is named in his honour.
Performance Details: May 3 and May 4 at 2pm at the Irene Mitchell Studio, South Yarra. May 11 at 2pm at the Moe Town Hall.
Bookings: lysteropera.com.au
Cheryl Threadgold
He ventured into politics, Thatcher and Churchill, the Falklands War and the 1948 Palestine partition. The Royal family which he admired, did not escape his quick wit and ability to open the door to their frailties.
Closer to home, he targeted technology, podcasts, social media and family group chats while giving us an insight into his 90+ up and at them grandmother, who amongst her many attributes, excelled at carpet bowls.
A well-researched piece of theatre with unrelenting comedy, satire and delivery at a rapid pace. Posh or no Posh, Milo Edwards was very classy.
- Review by Graeme
McCoubrie
Dalin Oliver, 90-Day Comedian
■ Dalin Oliver is a South African comedian, making his debut performance at the MICF.
He has performed his show in 18 cities and in seven countries including Australia, Netherlands, England, France, Spain and Germany.
Dalin has boundless energy and enthusiasm for the diversity of his native South Africa
He enthuses about his native city of Cape Town and has close ties to his family, especially his mother, Linda
Pointing out that his first name is an anagram of his mother’s. His show is a conversation with the audience who are included in every story.
Dalin delights over the differences in other countries in comparison to his native land. These include Australia’s Ute to a Bakkie and our barbecue to a braai.
Melbourne’s love of Australian Rules football is a complete mystery to Dalin. And he is amazed at the safety of walking the streets here.
His stories are interesting and as a previous Maths and Science teacher, he is happy for the audience to learn a lot about him, his life, things he likes and hates.
Dalin is open, honest and a refreshing performer. He is willing to laugh at himself and quick to improvise with the audience. He creates a relaxed atmosphere for all to enjoy.
His show 90 Day Comedian has won accolades at Festivals in the World Fringe Network, Best Weekly Comedy Show Award at Fringe World in Perth and others.
Dalin Oliver performed at the Askal, Exhibition St, Melbourne.
- Review by Lyn Hurst
Flashes
■ Tanya French has been appointed to a newly created role of Business Editor for the Herald Sun, and News Corp Australia's other capital city and regional mastheads.
■ The Australian has announced that Steve Jackson will rejoin the newsroom as a Media Writer for the Media Diary column on May 12, following a stint at the Daily Mail Australia.
■ Veteran journalist and broadcaster Richard Zachariah has passed away at age 80.
CATO THE WISE
Maxwell
★The 2025 Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) will not be held this year.
★A full day of free wellness events is being organised on May, 17 as part of Frankston’s South Side Festival. This is being organised by local business, Strong Pilates. The Block's Foreman Dan and Dani Reilly are the studio owners and will be running pilates sessions, recovery sessions including a cold plunge challenge, nutrition and chiropractic advice, plus hydration, snacks and coffee.
★The Rapid Relief Team was up from sunrise to serve up 1200 meals in support of the annual Good Friday Appeal to raise funds for the Royal Children's Hospital. RRT is the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church
★The Playground Project isan immersive exploration of creativity, play, and social interaction in an urban landscape. The in-depth exhibition looks back on the rich ideas surrounding playground design from the 1950s to the 1980s. The Project is at Incinerator Gallery , 180 Holmes Rd, Aberfeldie,from Saturday, June 28Sunday, October 12.
★Dance for Seniors is being held on selected Tuesday mornings frrom 9.30am at Clocktower, 750 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds.
★The Marvel Studios' Infinity Saga Concert Experience will explore earliest days of Iron Man, Captain America and Thor – each accompanied by their own unforgettable heroic music. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra concerts will take place at 7.30pm on each of Thursday-Friday, Saturday, October 16-17-18 at Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall.
★ The 2025 Melbourne Memory Walk and Jog will be held on Sunday, May 18, at Princes Park, Carlton North.
★The Victorian Music Development Office held the inaugural Music Data and Insights Summit at Collingwood Yards on Monday and Tuesday this week (Apr. 28-29).
★Victorian, Peter Josip, took out the 2025 RAW Comedy title at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
★Opera star Nicole Car is returning to Melbourne for a rare hometown performance with husband Ètienne Dupuis in the Verdi Gala concerts at Hamer Hall tonight (Apr. 30) and May 3.
★Happy-Go-Wrong is described as “a visceral solo physical theatre odyssey”, from June 26-29 at fortyfivedownstairs
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Rourke’s Reviews Entertainment
★Melbourne food journalist Bob Hart has died, aged 81. He had prodced a daily column for the Herald Sun, and had appeared with Peter 'Grubby' Stubbs on 3AW.
★Chris Franklin and Warwick Capper are starring in a new Australian film, Yesterday’s Hero, to be released mid-year.
★Develop is an exhibition of photomedia graduates at the Museum of Australian Photography, Wheelers Hill, from May 7-June 16.
★The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s homegrown virtuosos will present the Baroque Unleashed concert series from June 26-29 at Melbourne Recital Centre.
★The VR theatre production, The Door in Question, is returning to Melbourne on May 68 as part of independent music and arts festival Sleepless. The event begins in a disused shopping centre, and leads participants to multiple sites across Footscray, “giving audiences an interactive, groundbreaking psychological experience of psychosis through cross reality (XR) technologies”.
★Beyond Blue’s reimagined digital platform, beyondblue. org.au, has attracted global recognition at the Webby Awards
★The Winter Blues Festival is preparing for its 25th edition in 2025, with dates confirmed for July 24-27 at Echuca-Moama.
★Sarah Barnbrook has been honoured with two international awards at the Women Changing the World Global Awards Volunteer of the Year and a special recognition for Youth Impact.
★Confined 16 is a powerful ex hibition presented by The Torch featuring 400 artworks by 400 First Nations artists, from Friday, May 23 to Sunday, June 22 at Glen Eira City Council Gallery - 420 Glen Eira Rd, Caulfield.
★Here You Come Again , a show that features Dolly Parton hits, will be staged at the Comedy Theatre from July 12.
★ Circus Nexus Access Workshops will be held at the Clocktower, 750 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds, on Wednesday, July 16, and Wednesday, September 24.
★The Australian Welsh Male Choir are Singing Shanties at the Mission to Seafarers between 7pm-9pm on Wednesday, May 14.
★Lyster Opera will be perform ing Mozart's The Abduction from the Seraglio at the Irene Mitchell Studio, St Martin's Theatre, South Yarra on May 34.
The Yellow Line
■ Essence Theatre Productions presents The Yellow Line for five performances from May 29 to June 1 at The Bowery Theatre, St Albans.
The Yellow Line, making its premiere, is a new work inspired by true events at Port Phillip Prison. The prison is set to close in 2025 amid major prison reforms.
A Pasifika guard is tasked with teaching haka to inmates, uncovering deep truths about identity, justice, and redemption. But can culture and connection break the cycle of incarceration?
Featuring a cast of nine, the production is a collaborative journey between Essence Theatre and Nga Matai Purua (nmp.org.au), a performing arts group based in Wyndham.
Their head tutor, Berne-lee Edwards (Nana), and Alaine Beek (Essence Productions) wrote this play in 2024, thanks to support from The Malcolm Robertson Foundation.
This year they have received support to produce the play through Wyndham City Council and The Scanlon Foundation.
Performance Details: May 29, 30, 31 at 7pm-8.45pm; May 30 at 12.30pm-2.15pm; June 1 at 2pm3.45pm
Venue: The Bowery Theatre, 33 Princess St., St Albans Bookings:creativebrimbank.com.au/ the-yellow-line - Cheryl Threadgold
Sleep At The G
■ Melbourne City Mission presents Sleep at the ‘G on Thursday, May 15 at the MCG, Melbourne. Gates open at 5pm.
Every year, Victorians unite in support of the thousands of young people who are without a safe place to call home. Many are couch surfing, sleeping in cars, or staying in crowded and unsafe housing.
This year the night will be hosted by Briohny Dawson, with activities held over a two-hour period for one big sleepover. Fun activities include mini golf, a Leggo building station and photo booth. Music includes DJ Shimmy Barnes, Tanya George –Melbourne based vocal looper, Phil and Robbo (Phil Ceberano and Russell 'Robbo' Robertson), Not My Circus, Ganga Giri and Happy Melon
Two AUSLAN signers will also be on hand to ensure everyone gets the most out of the experience.
A highlight of the night will be the fireside chats with SATG Lived Experience participants sharing their compelling stories. Sleepers will receive a hot breakfast in the morning before going off to share their stories of the night.
MCM is a leading community support organisation that for over 165 years has been delivering programs and fundraising to create inclusive, fair and just communities across Victoria. The organisation provides a broad range of support in: Homelessness, Early Years, Disability, Early Childhood Intervention Services, Education, Palliative Care and Mental Health service areas. Sleep at the G is one of the organisation’s major fundraising initiatives.
Date: Thursday, May 15 Entry from 5pm. Venue: MCG Melbourne Cost for this Fundraiser: $75 adults, $25 15-17 years. Includes entry, activities, entertainment, refreshments, prizes and more. sleepattheg.com.au/the-event - Cheryl Threadgold
Drop
■ (MA). 95 minutes. Now showing in cinemas.
After delivering a number of highly uneven films that blended horror and comedy (Happy Death Day 1 and 2, Freaky) to an outright misfire (We Have A Ghost), director Christopher Landon returns with Drop, and by jettisoning the hit-and-miss humour (thanks to different writers) that largely sank his previous efforts, manages to deliver a much more satisfying, if still ultimately flawed, viewing experience.
Meghann Fahy (The White Lotus, Your Monster) plays Violet, a survivor of domestic abuse who, years after the relationship ended violently, feels confident enough to enter the dating scene again.
The person Violet decides to take a chance on is Henry (Brandon Sklenar), who she has been texting with for a while.
Having organised a romantic dinner at a nice restaurant, Henry messages Violet telling her he will be arriving a little late, and that is when she begins receiving a growingly unsettling series of texts from a stranger who claims they are nearby, demanding certain tasks must be carried out.
This continues to escalate, and will put both Violet and her son in danger.
What is refreshing about Drop is its efficiency, something lacking in modern horror/thrillers (Abigail being a perfect example).
Landon and his writers keep the story to its essentials, which is also a good thing as suspension of disbelief is required.
Another nice surprise is the casting. Fahy makes for a likeable heroine, allowing us to care what happens to her character as the mayhem increases.
Technically, this is a slick production. Only during its final act does the film stumble, trying to throw too much at the audience, jarring with the nicely paced suspense that has come before.
Drop is a lot of fun, and should give audiences a good time at the movies.
RATING - ***½
Sinners
■ (MA). 137 minutes. Now showing in cinemas, including IMAX.
Ryan Coogler, who impressed with his low budget 2013 debut feature, Fruitvale Station, before confidently crafting the quality box-office hits Creed (2015) and Black Panther (2018), now dives into horror with Sinners, and by blending a number of different genres, themes and styles, delivers big, if at times convoluted, entertainment.
The story centres on twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan), WWI veterans who have made a name for themselves, along with a load of money, working for Al Capone in Chicago.
Returning to their home ground in the Mississippi Delta, the duo use their wealth to purchase a rundown sawmill and hopefully turn it into a successful juke joint.
With help from their cousin
Sammie (Miles Caton), and the hiring of an eclectic, enigmatic staff (which includes Delroy Lindo, Wunmi Mosaku and Omar Benson Miller), the group’s plans look promising.
But just when business looks like taking off, they will be visited by an intimidating company who turn out to be more than they appear, and once this happens, things turn decidedly bloody.
Horror fans wanting nothing more than frequent carnage and bloodletting will be disappointed, as writer/director Coogler takes his time setting up his large gallery of characters and the locale where everything is set, threading a suffocating, oppressive racism that blanketed America in the 30s through the material, and the vampire elements are effectively used as a metaphor.
Coogler however never forgets to show the passion he has for the genre, and he is definitely influenced by films such as From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) and Angel Heart (1987), while its relevant commentary is reminiscent of Spike Lee’s terrific BlacKKKlansman (2018). That love flows through to its superb production, namely the music by Ludwig Goransson (Oppenheimer, Tenet), cinematography by Autumn Durald Arkapaw and production design by Hannah Beachler (Dark Waters, Moonlight).
Jordan commands the screen in his dual roles, but everyone is convincing.
The music at times feels like a major part of the story, and helps create an immersive atmosphere (just like the incredibly moody Angel Heart did), seeping into everything the audience is experiencing.
Sinners may prove too much for some, but others will embrace Coogler’s full-blown passion for both the story being told and the genre chosen to present it.
However you may react to it, Sinners needs to be seen on the big screen.
(A big thank you to Sarah and Klaus).
RATING - **** Aaron Rourke
Newton
In Memory of
● Aaron Rourke
■ It is 80 years since the passing of the first Australian operatic soprano to achieve international success.
Dame Nellie Melba should not be forgotten as she was a wonderful performer and ambassador for our country.
Helen ‘Nellie’ Porter Mitchell was born in Richmond in 1861 to David and Isabella Mitchell
She received her first singing lessons from Madame Christian in Melbourne
Following the death of her mother in 1880, Helen moved to Queensland with her father where she met and married Charles Armstrong She gave birth to their son George in 1883.
The marriage was not a success and Helen returned to Melbourne to pursue her singing career.
She made her professional debut in a Liedertafel Concert at the Melbourne Town Hall in 1884.
When her father was appointed to a Government post in London, Helen and her son George accompanied him.
After further studies, she made her European debut playing Gilda in Rigoletto at the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels. Helen took the stage name of Melba as a tribute to her home town of Melbourne
Melba was now moving in very high social circles performing for the crowned heads of Europe and her fame was spreading throughout
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM
the world. By 1889 Melba was starring in London at The Royal Opera House and had established herself as the leading lyric soprano at Covent Garden
She also performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Her divorce to Charles Armstrong was finalised in 1900.
In 1902 Madame Melba (as she was known at that stage) made a triumphant return to Australia and sang in concerts in Sydney and Melbourne
She returned for more concerts in 1909 and 1911 and worked for the war effort during World War One
Melba bought a property at Coldstream and built Coombe Cottage on the land.
She was created a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in March 1918.
In 1924, at the age of 63, Dame Nellie Melba began a series of ‘Farewell Tours’ throughout Australia
The expression "more farewells than Dame Nellie Melba" came for these tours. Her final performance was a charity concert in London in 1930.
MOTHER AND SON EXHIBIT AT BURRINJA GALLERY Whatever Happened To Dame Nellie Melba
gurrak-al Marramk-U/ Body of the Mountain Walking across Corhanwarrabul (Dandenong Ranges) group of artists shared place-responsive practices and considered what it means to listen to Country through diverse perspectives.
Curated by Gretel Taylor with Gulan Pzer and Wurundjeri Traditional Custodian Mandy Nicholson, the artists responded through performative and visual mediums, evoking close-range encounters from walking in the forest, whist reflecting upon global contexts from the viewpoint of the mountain.
Exhibition opens May 24 and closes July 13.
★
Outside of Mer –Leticia Hodson and Wade Keghley.
This compelling exhibition by mother and son, Leticia Hodson and Wade Keighley, captures a crucial moment in their relationship - where a parent steps back, allowing their child’s unique artistic voice to shine.
Wade (31), born with Down syndrome, creates the instinct and expression, contrasting with Leticia’s narrative portraiture, which documents his creative journey.
Exhibition closes Sunday May 11. Burrinja Gallery
361 Glenfern Rd, Upwey
At St Kilda
After History – Bernard Sachs.
Bernard Sachs (1964 – 2022) was a Melbourne artist and academic whose expansive practice encompassed drawing, collage, painting, photography, performance and sculpture.
Sachs, whose German father migrated to South Australia after World War II was deeply informed by European art, culture, and philosophy, weaving it with autobiography to produce a singular oeuvre, which interrogated history to understand its role in shaping the present.
Bernard Sachs After History focuses on works drawn from the late artist’s studio.
Rather than a traditional retrospective, the exhibition the exhibition seeks to highlight Sachs’s unique process returning to and reworking existing works, sometimes over a period of years.
The Arts
In addition, a parallel display of works by artists whom educated and mentored will acknowledge his formative influence on several generations of Melbourne visual artists.
Exhibition closes May 18. Linden New Art 26 Ackland St, St Kilda
Incinerator Gallery
Mother’s Little Helpers –Karla Dickens
This exhibition, presented across three billboards located at Incinerator Gallery, reflects a growing rebellion over the silence and inaction of our country’s powerbrokers and general populace towards climate change.
Through these photographs, Lismore -based Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens highlights a rebellion often dismissed as inconvenient and calls for protest only taking place through conventional means.
Karla has been involved in green politics – she started with Greenpeace 39 years ago – and sees climate discourse stuck in endless repetition.
For her, the focus must now shift to hearing Country – taking time to listen to the land itself and build a deeper understanding of Country.
As part of the Kandos School of Cultural Adaptation project, Karla
collaborated with Bruce Pascoe and Brendan Blacklock, alongside children form Bingara Central School.
Exhibition closes June 8.
Incinerator Gallery
180 Holmes St, Moonee Ponds
Glen Eira
From Inspiration to Creation –Glen Eira Cheltenham Art Group
The Group’s annual exhibition presents recent artworks by its child and adult members, along with ceramics by guest artists from the Moorleigh Ceramic Co-op.
Showcasing bith contemporary and traditional styles, the artists all share a common feeling, the motivation to create.
Exhibition closes May 18.
★
Tyranny of Distance –Metric Kaminski
In this work, Meyrick Kaminski explores he complicated relationship between media, memory and objects, Kaminski’s work begins with memory of a sense of place – and examines them with the help of the video camera.
Exhibition closes May 18.
Glen Eira Gallery
Cnr Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield
- Peter Kemp
Relaxed Performances
■ Melbourne Symphony Orchestra brings Relaxed Performances to the main stage
A Reflection in Time will be staged on Friday, June 13, featuring Christian Li
The performance will be conducted by Benjamin Northey.
Other shows in the series include:
■ Classic Kids: Wizardry School (Saturday, May 10)
■ Classic Kids: Eliza’s Orchestral Adventures (Saturday, September 13)
■ Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas (Saturday, December 13)
- Contributed
Shortly afterwards Melba returned to Australia and died in St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney in February 1931 from septicemia.
Her friends said that whilst lying on her deathbed she sang Ave Maria before the great voice was finally silenced.
Her body was taken by train from Sydney to Melbourne and when the train stopped at stations along the way, locals silently filed past her coffin to pay their respects.
Dame Nellie Melba was given a State Funeral and thousands lined the streets for the procession from Melbourne to Lilydale Cemetery
My friend, the late Russell Johnson, from The Athenaeum Theatre in Lilydale was a huge fan and collector of Dame Nellie's memorabilia.
Russell left his wonderful collection to The Lilydale Museum in Castella Street, Lilydale. Russell is buried close to Dame Nellie's grave. I have visited her grave and the headstone bears the words of her character, Mimi from La bohème - "Addio, senza rancor" (Farewell, without bitterness).
I am sure that the primitive sound recordings of Dame Nellie Melba that exist today cannot do justice to the magnificent voice of our first legendary diva.
Bon Jovi in restaurant row
■ In February Jon Bon Jovi and his wife wished to spread goodwill by establishing a small chain of restaurants called 'Soul Kitchen' located in and around New Jersey with the object of feeding the homeless. The local Mayor saw red, claiming restaurants brought undesirables to the area and wants the chain closed. The Mayor is unrepentant and the matter is a hot topic of conversation amongst lawmakers in New Jersey. Jon Bon Jovi is a savvy investor worth an estimated $410 million and in this case was prepared to put back into helping the community and I hope the matter can be resolved sensibly, to everyone's satisfaction.
What would Ringo say?
■ Zak Starkey, son of Ringo Starr (by his first marriage to Maureen), has been shafted as permanent drummer of The Who. Zak got the bullet for 'over drumming' and band members complained.
Aged 59, Zak is considered one of the best rock drummers still touring, and will now devote his talents as featured drummer with an up-and-coming rock group.
Little Drummer Boy
■ Callum Ivazes is just 19 months old, yet he is already America's youngest child prodigy. He plays the drums, just like his Dad who happens to be a professional musician. Callum has already chalked up more than 100 million views on social media and is king of the sandpit at kinder. He started drumming aged 14 months and has picked up his Dad's drumming basic beat and mannerisms, prompting his Mum's comment: “he's so cool”.
Dolly Parton’s third part
■ There's no rest for the talented. Dolly Parton has just released her third book in a trilogy ' Star of the Show'. The superstar, now 79 years of age recounts her time on stage from 1977 onwards. It's a ripping read complete with 350 full colour photos.
Polar extremes, it might work
■ It's early in the planning stage but 80's heartthrob Christopher Atkins ('Blue Lagoon') and Ten gossip presenter Craig Bennett are planning a sit com with the duo undertaking crazy escapades all over Australia. Chrisopher is currently in Bali and I'm told could soon be packing his bags to source locations in the world of Oz
This and That
■ Oz rocker and music entrepreneur Col Joye celebrated his 89th birthday NetworkTen has renewed the contract on ' Tonight Show with Sam Pang' for a further eight episodes once the initial agreement comes to an end ... 'Colin from Accounts' has received a renewal for further three series ... Remember Chris Lilley (ABC, Summer Heights High) ? He's on the comeback trail with new comedy skits ... Last time Johnny Depp acted in a Hollywood film was 2018, now he is about to return acting in 'Day Drinker' to be filmed in Depp's newly adopted country of Mexico ... Channel Seven has confirmed they will be broadcasting Commonwealth Games in 2026, and also 2030.
Kevin Trask
with Peter Kemp
- John O’Keefe OK. With John O’Keefe
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Melbourne Lovatts Crossword No 7
Across Across Down Down Observer
1. Portion
5. Appliance, ... cleaner
8. Gluttony
11. Coloured-tile design
14. Nit-picker
18. On the sick list
19. The U of IOU
20. Zigzag pattern
23. Chef's garment
24. Scandalous
27. Entice
28. Beeped (horn)
29. Debates
31. Fuzzy leather
32. Crush (fly)
34. Roof edges
36. Fantasise
37. Not even once
38. Toddlers
39. More unfriendly
41. Ardent
44. Certainly
47. Dance
49. Equally balanced
50. Gazed fixedly
52. Bill
54. Recess
56. Restaurant list
58. Throw out of house
60. Most awful
62. Young dogs
64. Rain heavily
66. Egyptian snakes
67. Avoided
70. Measuring rod
71. In control, at the ...
72. Singing voices
73. Finished
74. Cupid's shaft
75. Climbing vegetable
77. Armoured vehicle
79. Dominate (market)
83. Pummelled
85. Unusually
87. Exhaust (supply)
89. Wandering
91. Gratifying
94. Stressed
97. Declare
98. Scenes
99. Questionable
100. Court fine
103. Column
105. Custodian
107. General pardon
110. Pork cut, ... ribs
111. Relaxes
114. Renovate (ship)
116. Frosty
118. Exclusive
120. Expressing contempt
122. Hue
124. Screen collie
126. Vibrated noisily
129. Divides
132. Castle entrance
136. Borders
139. Falsify
140. Quantity of paper
142. Fracas
145. Edit (text)
146. Splendid sight
148. Halt
150. Chopped down
152. Outlook
154. Remain
156. Ticket remnant
157. Become septic
159. Hand-make (jumper)
161. Eiffel Tower city
164. Surplus
167. Essential 169. Slightest
171. Canoodle
173. Happen
174. Periodic
177. Socially excluded 180. Anglican parish priest 183. In an unspecified way
206. Female relative 208. Hunger 209. Wound mark 210. Bombard
212. Residences 213. Beat up 214. Current units 215. Interim 216. Camera stand 218. Arm joints 219. Each person 221. Sped on foot 223. Flightless bird 225. Bore diameter 226. On fire 229. Lungs & liver
230. Plagiarised 231. Home (duties) 233. Single thing 235. Acidic
236. Civilian wartime prisoner 238. Honey drink
243. Heavenly spirits 245. Half
246. Blister-like pouch
248. Gambling chances 249. Extinct bird
254. Inaccurate
255. Free from blame
256. Allow in 258. Enigma 259. Serious-minded 261. State further 262. Undulating 263. Four-door car
265. Straddling
268. Pester
269. Minimise
271. Hosiery garment
272. Improvement (in economy) 274. Beg
276. Skilled
278. Fundamental 280. Die down
282. Flour cereal
283. Promises
284. Schoolboys
288. Geological eras
289. Handle
By Rob Foenander
Little Did I Know
■ Singer songwriter Brooke Miller has dropped her first single ahead of an EP due out in June. Little Did I Know is a heartfelt ballad about reminiscence, longing and regret, says Brooke, who is also planning a live show to support her EP release.
Storytellers
■ Damon Smith will be the guest artist at the next Casey Radio Story Tellers afternoon concert.
The award winning Damon will play in trio mode for this show with bass and drums alongside him at the piano.
Cranbourne Bowling Club at 2pm on Sunday, May 25. Tickets at Trybooking.com
Farewell Russell
■ Aussie music legend Russell Morris is embarking on a Farewell Tour and he's doing it in spectacular style, according to his media release.
Russell will take to the stage around the country with a line-up of Australia’s finest musicians, featuring lush strings and a smokin’ hot band.
Reports have it he’s already having to add additional shows to the schedule due to an overwhelming response from his loyal fans.
- Rob Foenander
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Blak Holes at Paw Paw Jump
■ The performance space at the Paw Paw Jump in Russell St was the atmospheric venue for comedians Dane Simpson and Isaac Compton to present their show Blak Holes in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
From the moment these seasoned performers appeared and started sharing their amusing tales, the room filled with laughter.
Their professionalism and energy in achieving this was awesome, and a good example for upand-coming young comedians.
Both performers – Dane from Wagga Wagga and Isaac from Dubbo - are great storytellers.
Jovial Dane Simpson’s laugh is infectious, - particularly when sharing the hilarious story of bringing his father to for the first time for Network Ten’s The Amazing Race Celebrity Edition.
His dad’s first experience in a coffee shop was particularly funny, as were stories of their travelling in Business Class on the plane to India.
Isaac Compton is also a splendid musician and songwriter and audiences know him through his strong social media presence and win on Channel 9’s The Summit in 2023 when he trekked to The Summit.
These two performers are mighty proud of their First Nation heritage and their 50-minute show doesn’t hold back from any issues they would like to share, including
Crossword Solution No 7
Isaac’s disdain for Pauline Hanson and even Raygun’s perceived ownership of the kangaroo.
I felt great admiration for Dane and Isaac’s showmanship, and thoroughly enjoyed their show.
As a criticism, I don’t believe such skilled, clever performers need to waste time using the ‘F’ word so regularly.
In lovely end-of-show goodwill, Dane and Isaac walked through the audience, stood at the door and shook patrons' hands as we left. And everyone was smiling.
Thank you, Dane and Isaac – so glad you brought your show to Naarm.
- Review by Cheryl Threadgold Who’s
Talking?
■ It is in the final scenario of Bron Lewis’s comic set, Who’s Talking, that we see the real comic potential of her subject matter about her time as a teacher.
She recounts a confrontation with a student that could well escalate.
This is fertile ground for addressing the polite conventions and social mores associated with schooling that are inadequate when it comes to dealing with hormonal and angry adolescents. Appropriateness clashes with reality and comedy is the only solution.
As a teacher I know these situations intimately; not being able to say what you want to say, dealing with awkward questions in a sex education class without adequate training.
Teachers are the stalwarts facing hurdles that are often insurmountable. You really need a good sense of humour.
For all that, Lewis’s set begins with her time raising her three children which enables her to identify with her audience.
There are attempts to draw a parallel between the two worlds of schooling and parenting with her comments on parenting apps allowing some connection but the two fields don’t always sit well together.
There is so much more that could be gleaned from the querulous, quarrelling quagmire that is education.
I’d be adding comments about administrations but perhaps I’m projecting my own experience into this review a little too much.
Lewis handles her shtick well and she riffs without losing the thread of her thinking.
I’m sure she’ll make a good prefect candidate in the future though her choice of language may be a bad influence on some of the other children.
Being awarded colours for drama speaks to her time on the stage but, as her English teacher, I’d like to see her pay more attention to her grammar.
Observations
Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
- Review by David McLean
Trivia Fundraiser
■ The Victorian Actors’ Benevolent Trust will bring together some of Australia’s biggest stars for its first ever Very Appealing Showbiz Trivia Fundraiser and invites the public to join in the fun and test their trivia knowledge whilst helping to raise funds to provide vital financial relief to artists, creatives and crew members in need across theatre, film and television.
Some of the confirmed celebrities attending the event include: Kate Atkinson, Michala Banas, Will Conyers, Lucinda Cowden, Marty Fields, Stephen Hall, Frank Holden, David Hobson, Ben Jackson, Rob Mills, Julia Morris, Charlotte Nicdao, Densie Scott, Kat Stewart, Gary Sweet, Toby Truslove , Georgie Tunny , SallyAnne Upton, Steve Vizard and John Wood.
■ CLIFTON HILL. Milk Bar. Cnr Fenwick St and Spensley St.
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■ ■ COLLINGWOOD. Metro Petroleum. 318 Wellington St.
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■ DIAMOND CREEK. IGA Supermarket. Main Rd
■ ■ EAGLEMONT. Australia Post/ Newsagency. 64 Silverdale Rd.
■ ■ RESERVOIR. Australia Post. 10a Gellibrand Cres.
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■ ■ ■ RESERVOIR. Broadway Lotto. 238 Broadway.
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■ ■ RESERVOIR. Ampol. 931 High St
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■ ■ ■ RESERVOIR. Coles Express. 192202 Broadway.
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■ ■ EAST IVANHOE. Australia Post/ Tatts/Newsagency. 249-251 Lower Heidelberg Rd.
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■ EAST PRESTON. East Preston News and Lotto. 669 Plenty Rd.
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■ EAST PRESTON. Liberty Service Station. 502 Plenty Rd.
■ ■ EAST PRESTON. Plenty Road Cellars. 766 Plenty Rd.
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■ ELTHAM. Bolton Street Deli and Liquor. 120 Bolton St.
■ ■ ELTHAM. Ampol. 527 Main Rd.
■ ■ ELTHAM. Coles Express. 650 Main Rd (Cnr Mt Pleasant Rd)
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■ ELTHAM. United Service Station. 1050 Main Rd.
■ ■ EPPING. 7-Eleven. Cnr Dalton Rd and Childs Rd.
■ ■ EPPING. APCO Service Station.
Cnr McDonalds Rd and High St.
■ ■ ■ ■ EPPING. IGA. 1/53 McDonalds Rd.
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■ EPPING. RSL. Harvest Home Rd.
■ ■ EPPING. Shell Coles Express. 511 High St.
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■ RESERVOIR. DM Deli and Liquor. 35 McFadzean Ave.
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■ ■ RESERVOIR. Liberty Service Station. 101-111 Edwardes St.
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■ ■ RESERVOIR. Milk Bar. Cnr Yarra Ave and Boldrewood Pde.
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■ ■ RESERVOIR. Lakeside News and Lotto. 115 Spring St.
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■ ■ RESERVOIR. Reservoir RSL. 251 Spring St.
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■ ■ ■ ROSANNA. IGA Supermarket. Lower Plenty Rd.
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■ SOUTH MORANG. Milk Bar.
Gorge Rd.
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■ ■ SOUTH MORANG. Shell Coles Express. McDonalds Rd.
■ ■ ST HELENA. Milk Bar. Cnr Glen Katherine Dr and Weidlich Rd.
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■ ST HELENA. St Helena Newsagency. St Helena Marketplace, Aqueduct Rd.
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■ THOMASTOWN. BP. 123 High St.
■ ■ THOMASTOWN. Foodworks. 126 Alexander Ave.
Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, April 30 Abdullahi Salad, Abdinasir Mohamed Akkus, Arda Al Dali, Hassan Alameddine, Osman Al-Dainy, Vivi Amin, Anas Anderson, David Atanasovski, Adem Blegg, Jaclyn Brincat, Matthew Cameron, Stehpanie Cammarota, Paul Cauchi, Steven Clarke, Jason Clayton-Polidino, Ryan Mark Cole, Bradley Collins, Daryl Leslie Comport, Jessy Corrigan, Joel Curtin, Mark Daly, Christopher Anthony Dalziel, Luke Darwiche, Rima Dawit, Mehari De Beaux, Jonathan Donmez, Murat Doyle, Bailey Duff, Danielle Louise Ea Building & Developments Pty Ltd
Reserve promise
● Nick Ascenzo Reserve
● ● ●
■ The City of Whittlesea has welcomed a $4.5 million election commitment from the Albanese Labor Government to transform Nick Ascenzo Reserve in Thomastown into a vibrant, open recreation space.
The funding announcement was made by Andrew Giles, Scullin MHR. It “will significantly enhance access to green space and recreational opportunities for the Thomastown community and surrounding suburbs”, said a Council representative.
“This investment will help unlock the full potential of one of the area's most frequently visited reserves, creating a more accessible, inclusive and welcoming space for all.
“The upgrade will enhance the reserve’s character while also improving essential access features. These include improvements to the entrances, better parking facilities, a running loop, nature play, fitness stations and a multi-purpose court, so more residents can comfortably enjoy the space.
“The transformation of Nick Ascenzo Reserve will enable the park to become an exciting destination for families, young people and older residents alike.
“With this funding commitment, the site will be reimagined to better meet the needs of the growing community and provide more accessible and inclusive outdoor spaces.”
Cr Daniela Zinni said: "This is a huge win for Thomastown and the surrounding areas. Nick Ascenzo Reserv e is already a valued local space and this investment will help it reach its full potential for the benefit of the whole community.
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■ ■ ■ EPPING NORTH. 7-Eleven. 743
High St.
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■ FAIRFIELD. 7-Eleven. Cnr Darebin Rd and Station St.
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■ ■ FAIRFIELD. BP. 490-500 Heidelberg Rd.
■ ■ FAIRFIELD. Ampol. 215 Heidelberg Rd.
■ ■ FAIRFIELD. Coles Express. 377 Heidelberg Rd.
■ ■ THOMASTOWN. Thomastown Library. 15 Main St.
■ ■ THOMASTOWN. Stevens Cellars Licensed Grocery. 20 The Boulevard.
■ ■ THOMASTOWN. Thomastown News and Lotto. 223 High St.
■ ■ THOMASTOWN WEST. 7-Eleven. Cnr Mount View St and Edgars Rd.
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■ THOMASTOWN WEST. Supa IGA Supermarket. Edgars Rd
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■ ■ FAIRFIELD. Coles Express. Cnr Darebin Rd and Station St
■ ■ FAIRFIELD. Fairfield News and Lucky Lotto. 99 Station St.
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■ ■ ■ FAIRFIELD. Metco Service Station. Cnr Separation St and Station St.
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■ THORNBURY. 7-Eleven. Cnr High St and Hutton St.
■ ■ THORNBURY. BP. 410 St Georges Rd.
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■ ■ THORNBURY. Normanby News and Lotto. 638 High St.
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140 Station St.
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■ ■ FITZROY. Fitzroy News. 125 Johnston St.
■ ■ GREENSBOROUGH. Milk Bar. 31 Greenhill Rd.
■ ■ THORNBURY. Tatts and Licensed Grocery. 400 Station St.
■ ■ WATSONIA. BP. Cnr Watsonia Rd and Morwell Ave.
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■ WATSONIA. Coles Express. Cnr Greensborough Rd and Yallambie rD
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■ WATSONIA. Watsonia RSL. 6 Morwell Ave.
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■ ■ HEIDELBERG. 7-Eleven. Cnr Burgundy St and Lower Heidelberg Rd.
■ ■ HEIDELBERG. Heidelberg Tatts/ News. 112 Burgundy St.
Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, April 30 Abdi, Adbule Abdol, Abdi Abdule, Abdi Al-Hassan, Ali Ali, Mustaf Abdirasheid Amboka, Peter Anand, Krish Arceri, Joe Aslam, Zulqarnain Assaad, Rabbea Barakat, Inas Beca, David Bonomy, Simon Bovezza, Izabella Brown, Ronald Bryant, Leonard Burhala, Michael Burton, Summer Capatina, Alexa Carter-Bryant, Leonard Catena, Franco Cooper, Lindsay John Crowe, Cy Cryan, Leigh Datta, Sumit Day, Benjamin James Dyson, Eloise Jayne El Hoss, Marwan Elbeik, Ziyad Tarek Galea, James Gardiner, Luke Owen Garma, Alan Gervasi, Salvo Ghafari, Muhammad Gibbs, Karly Gittus-Brown, Mitchell Goldberg, Steven Gustaffson, Permilla Hanson, Jesse Lee Hanson, Paul John Herath, Jude Hore, Corey Hossain, Md Al Amin Hume Moreland Pty Ltd Hutchinson, Nathan Jafarzadeh, Abdollah Johnson, Leonie Kahandawala Arachchi, Chanaka Sam Kanjo, Hassan Karetai, William Keen-Scott, Siobhan Kerr, Joshua Kitchener, Juanita Kowsar, Seyed Kyle, Codey Lafta, Mustafa Lazarovski, Mile Le-Galienne, Trent Lemau, Michael Luttrell, Christopher Tyler Mallouk, Rabih Mann, Elizabeth Markos, Theodoros Masson, Sharon Lee Maver, Glenn Andrew Mckay, Jake Mckenzie, James David Mckenzie, Ryan Patrick Mckernan, Adrian Nugent, Tristan Benn Qasimi, Mohammad Hussain Qian, Moweit Reid, Satch Lochlan Robson, Jake Roebuck, Carmen Saliba, Ashlee Saliu, Esat Semaan, Charbel Shorten, Zachary Simmons, Daniel Singh, Roop Ravinder Singh, Vikram Smith, Sarah Candace Sobh, Sam Steal, Trent Stewart, John Charles Taleb, Bader Taleb, Bader Tans, Boutros Tatsiokas, Anastasios Taylor, Darcy Taylor, Shaun Thorpe, Colleen Van Diemen-Hartliff, Tymon Velluto, Anthony Vouvakis, Antonios Vreling, Dylan Jansen Wilkinson, Daniel Ryan Wood, Patrick Woodcock, Christopher Young, Jamie Younger, Adam Thomas
Ebejer, Jeffrey El Rajab, Michael El-Achkar, Mohamed Elakkoumi, Mahammed Elmaarroui, Youssef Fahmi, Osama Formosa, Shane Gentilin, Luca Guerra, Melissa Jan Harvey, Bianca Jasmine Hassett, Nicholas Ho, Nhan Sy Idema, Arron James, Stephen Jeboo, Robert Kafa, Jalal Kalyvas, Con Kaur, Mandeep Khodr, Maleh Kirby, Jeremiah Kobak, Adem Lamanna, Beau Magar, Nakul Mcmahon, Jusstene Mikha, Mukhlis Mohorko, Jake Mousley, Tyler Nabil, Saleh Nasra, Rojer Nomarhas, Tasi Obrien, Lance Orhan, Adem Osman, Ramy Oztas, Tulay Pangallo, Dominic Peniamina, Saolele Philips, Iden Pilioglou, Peter Pillay, Sunderasan Pribadi, Jason Ragab, Nouel Raphael, Anthony Reid, David Ross Services Pty Ltd Rowlands, Shanay Ruggeri, Anthony Sacco, Daniel Saleem, Asif Saleh, Nabil Salma, Omar Samad, Tawheed Sami, Jhon Setiawan, Bagus Sevian, George Sheikh, Abdull Sinclair, Tess Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Gurwinder Singh, Jagdev Stavropulos, John Stewart, Luke Sulu Fumatu, Clement Sutton, Beau Taleb, Hussein Taskiran, Bilal Taurina, Natasha Tekulu, Nahom Yosif Tewaka, Tehira Threadgold-Waugh, Denovan Timpano, Paolo Toomey, Brooke Ulugia, Judy Vitale, Wayne Zreika,Ahmad
“Council has been advocating for these upgrades to enhance access, function and connection. We thank the Federal Government for recognising the importance of this space and committing to its future."
Red bin lids out
■ Lids on rubbish bins will be changing from dark green to red across the City of Whittlesea
This will comply with the State Government’s new standard bin lid colours.
“Coming into effect from May, this change will bring the City of Whittlesea into alignment with the standardised four bin lids across Victoria and helps everyone know that a red lid means it's the rubbish bin and the contents will go to landfill,” said a Council representative.
“This means less confusion and more chances to get the right thing in the right bin, whether you’re at home, visiting friends or away on holiday around the state.
“The new red lids will be progressively rolled out throughout May and June. Residents are asked to place their rubbish bins out as usual on their regular collection day and leave it on the kerb until 6pm.
“:Bin lids will be changed on residents’ regular bin collection day. Once lids have been changed over, residents no longer need to leave their rubbish bin out after it has been emptied.
“All old lids will be recycled into new lids, reducing waste going to landfill.”
City of Whittlesea Director Infrastructure and Environment Debbie Wood said: "Making sure our bin lids comply with the B four bin system is part of our commitment to improving the way we manage waste at the local level. This will help residents and visitors sort their rubbish into the right bin.”
NIGHTS AT MILDURA AND SHEPP.
■ The week kicked off with a double night meeting on Tuesday April 22 with both Mildura and the regular Shepparton fixture taking place. What a night it was for local Birdwoodton trainer Naomi Kerr at Mildura winning the first three races on the seven event card including the $7,000 Robinvale Pacing Cup over 1790 metres with 5Y0 Hes Watching-Just Look At Me gelding Eye See Philtra.
Settling three back along the markers from inside the second line as the favourite Dallas Miki led from gate four with Ros Rolf in the sulky.
Eye See Philtra with Western District reinsman Lochie Cook was able to extricate in the back straight on the final occasion to make the final bend three wide and finish best to gain the day by 3.6 metres in a mile rate of 1-58.2 from Letsgo Big Girl (gate three second line) off a three wide trail. Dallas Miki held third 1.6 metres away.
■ Lochie had earlier landed the 1790 metre Park Douglas Printing Pace Final with 8Y0 Shadow Bay-Autographed mare Mariahs Shadow returning a mile rate of 2-00.4.
Following through from gate three on the second line, Mariahs Shadow settled one/one after Brent Murphy drove Love To Deal (gate four) forward to lead.
Set alight three wide racing for the bell, Mariahs Shadow applied plenty of pressure to the pacemaker before striding clear on turning to score by 3.5 metres from Cavalry from near last after starting from the extreme draw. Partyatthebeach (outside the front line) angled to be one/one after easing from the breeze at the bell to finish third 7.1 metres back.
■ Six year old Modern Art-Thegingerbreadgirl gelding Modern Ginger was able to cross Quartside (gate three - Connor Clarke) the 2190 metre McDonalds Irymple and Mildura Pace shortly after the start in the opening race of the program and once there was never headed, greeting the judge 8.4 metres in advance of I Bet You (one/two from gate two second line) three wide last lap, with polemarker Keayang Moroccan (three pegs) third 3.5 metres away. The mile rate 1-58.7.
■ What a remarkable job thirteen year old Dawn Ofa New Day-Celestial Gift gelding Celestial Daybreak has been for South Australian breeder/ owners Steven and Michael Byrne, winning his 60th race in 444 outings (104 placings) when successful in the Mildura Lawn Bowls Carnival April 28 to May 4th Pace over 1790 metres. Trained at Charlton by Tori Hutchins and driven by partner Luke Dunne, Celestial Daybreak had little difficulty in leading on a tight reign and given every chance, kicked clear on turning to record a 2-01.3 mile rate over Ronzel Micky (one/two from outside the front line) which ran on late. Mustang Daisy after trailing the winner from gate two was third 2.4 metres back.
■ The feature at Shepparton was the 2190 metre Hygain Pace which saw three year old Vincent-Telern Pepper gelding Telern Lofty victorious for Monegeetta trainer/driver David Miles. Bred by the late Terry Wait from Lancefield who’s life evolved around ‘The Trots’ until his sudden departure over 12 months back, Telern Lofty – ‘Lofty’ being Terry’s nickname, raced by his close friends Tony Eley, John Suffern, Jim Grant and Bob Adamson along with Terry’s estate, began brilliantly to lead and rated to perfection by David, defied all challengers, scoring by 5.2 metres in a mile rate of 2-02.2 over Owen The Saints (one/two - starting solo on the second line – three wide last lap ) and Royle Blood from the tail after being restrained from outside the front line who was a head back after following Royle Blood home finishing a head away.
■ Six year old Racing Hill-Hannas Delight gelding Big Sledge Hammer raced and trained by Mount Duneed’s Ricky DeBono, was successful in the 1690 metre Pacing For Pink Sunday May 4th Pace.
Driven by Allan McDonough, Big Sledge Hammer led out from gate four before being restrained to allow Lochiel Lad (gate six) to cross. After a cosy trip, Big Sledge Hammer used the sprint lane to gain the decision by 2.9 metres from Arnies Army from the extreme draw which went forward to race outside the
Harness Racing
len-baker@ bigpond.com
with Len Baker
leader. Lochiel Lad held third 3.3 metres back. The mile rate 1-56.6.
■ Former Riverina trainer David Harris now based at Avenel landed the Welcome J and A Mazzetti Painting New SHRC Sponsor Pace over 1690 metres with Direct Command, a 6Y0 gelded son of Hes Watching and Swift Belle. Driven by Ellen Tormey, Direct Command began fast from gate four to lead throughout, accounting for Jacksboy (one/one) and Chogi (one/one). The margins 4.4 by 1.6 metres in a mile rate of 1-56.2.
■ Kialla based Rebecca Bartley trained and reined 4Y0 Alta Christiano-Shake It Up Baby gelding Rowdy Christian to capture the Neatline Homes 4Y0 & Older Pace over 1690 metres.
Given an easy time one/one from gate three, Rowdy Christian after easing three wide on the final bend ran home best to prevail by 3.3 metres in advance of a death-seating Cee Cee Lou who would have given David Harris a double. Our Princess Di (three pegs from outside the front line) was third 1.2 metres back. The mile rate 158.5.
Double header
■ Another double header on Wednesday with Charlton in the afternoon and Bendigo at night. Charlton was a super day for Ballan based mother and daughter Dianne Giles and Leilani Justice who added another stable double to their CV with both Chinski and Best Back Bruce successful.
Most reliable Kiwi bred 8Y0 Peak-Barsukova gelding Chinski returned to the winners list after taking the 1609 metre Charlton Welcomes Djaara People Trotters Mobile.
Beginning brilliantly from gate four, Chinski had no trouble leading and after being driven a treat, ran out an easy 5.7 metre victor, his 16th in 159 outings (42 placings), accounting for Love Who (gate five) which trailed by 5.7 metres, with Dona Amalia (one/three from outside the front line) third 1.9 metres away. The mile rate 2-00.2.
■ Nine year old Lis Mara-Tactical Dream Maker gelding Best Back Bruce a winner at Ballarat six days earlier repeated the dose in the Lalgambuk (Mt Franklin) Pace over 2100 metres.
Enjoying a sweet one/one passage from gate five as polemarker Wichita Dance led, Best Back Bruce after easing three wide prior to the home turn took a slender lead on turning to score by 1.2 metres in a rate of 1-59.1 from Im Stuck Man starting inside the second line which was badly held up on the back of the weakening leader before gaining a late split.
Presidental Change (gate three) ran on late after following the winner throughout for third 4.9 metres away.
■ Charlton’s Sebastian Steenhuis has found Charlton to be a happy hunting ground since shifting there, bringing up two wins in a row with 4Y0 Roll With Joe-Rinjani mare Lombok in the Ngarri (My Egbert) Mares Pace over 1609 metres which had been a winner at Kilmore on April 10.
Driven by Luke Dunne, Lombrok after leading most of the way from gate five ran out an easy 6.1 metre margin from both Tap To Pay (gate three) which led out before taking a trail and using the sprint lane to no avail and Sassyola
who after starting outside the front line and racing uncovered battled on well to dead-heat for second. The mile rate a slick 1-55.6.
■ Ross Creek’s Jennifer Douglas combined with Kerryn Manning to snare the 2100 metre
Aunty Fay Carter Pace with 5Y0 Sweet LouGlenferrie Alexis gelding Muselet.
Driven by Kerryn Manning, Muselet starting solo on the second line, Muselet was quickly away from inside the second line to settle two back in the moving lane as Heston Cash (gate six) went forward to cross Reeko Reactor (gate three).
Easing three wide on the final bend, Muselet was too strong over the concluding stages for Heston Cash and Reeko Reactor which used the sprint lane for third. The margins 2.6 by 6.3 metres in a mile rate of 2-01.6.
■ It was Bendigo Trotters Cup night, a $20,000 (Listed Classic) event over 2650 metres which went the way of Cardigan trainer Emma Stewart’s in-form 7Y0 Kiwi import Harold Smith, a gelded son of Andover Hall and Miss Lovalot driven by Mark Pitt.
Stepping safely from 20 metres, Harold Smith a winner of the Geelong Trotters Cup two starts back before again winning at Melton possied one/one on the back of Im Bobby (20 metres) momentarily as runners sorted themselves out after both Black And Gold (front) and Sundons Courage (10 metres) went to the inside with the leader Wish Upona Dream (barrier three) handing over to Im Bobby.
When Black And Gold came away from the inside to give Harold Smith cover mid-race, Harold Smith was sent forward with a rush racing for the bell to join the leader and appeared to be travelling easily except for racing roughly for a stride or two prior.
With the two front runners drawing away approaching the home turn, Harold Smith raced clear shortly after to greet the judge 8 metres in advance of the 30 metre backmarker Parisian Artiste which ran on solidly from last. Brandlo Prince (barrier four one/two after a bad beginning) and three wide last lap ran a great race for third albeit 9.9 metres back. The mile rate 2-01.
■ The Nutrien AG Solutions Trotters Mobile saw 7Y0 Love You-Sundons Pride mare Tictok on her best behavior to brilliantly score in 159.1.
Trained at Longlea by Paul Morrissey and driven by Michael Bellman, Tictok did everything right from the extreme draw settling five back in the moving line as hot favourite Locksley Lover (gate five) was gifted the lead by Greg Sugars aboard McGee (gate three).
Going forward three wide in the last lap with an electrifying burst of speed to lead prior to the home turn, Tictok bounded away to record probably her best performance in defeating McGee along the sprint lane by 8.9 metres, with Watch And Act (one/two from gate three on the second line) third a half neck away. It was Tictok’s 12th success in 50 outings.
■ Kialla’s Bec Bartley was again a winner when lightly raced 6Y0 Bacardi Lindy-Sunshine Annie mare Betsy Anne scored in the Bendigo Locksmiths Maiden Trotters Mobile over 1650 metres.
Taken back from outside the front line as Nedza Thriller led from gate two, Betsy Anne making her 6th race appearance trailed Milly Meter (gate four) which had been trapped wide from the outset which was eased taking her back through the field to settle five back in the running line.
Again moving three wide to follow Muscle Memory at the bell, Betsy Anne had no luck whatsoever as Ragna Thor (one/one) from gate two on the second line came out to follow Muscle Memory which claimed the leader only to gallop shortly after allowing Ragna Thor to sweep bye.
Despite the tough passage, Betsy Anne was relentless and ran on best in a fine performance to register a 14.8 metre victory from Lillys Tiger who was shuffled back when the leader rapidly gave ground before running home strongly when clear. Ragna Thor was third 4.2 metres back. The mile rate 2-01.6.
night that remembered past local participants on the club’s annual honoUr night with seven races programmed.
■ Racing commenced with the Ken ‘Snowy’ Chapman Pace over 1690 metres taken out by the Ian Caruana (Bullengarook) raced and trained 6Y0 Somebeachsomewhere-Amarillen gelding Ima Terminator.
Driven by John Caldow, Ima Terminator settled three back in the moving line from gate two with Major Manbar (Lian Older) a winner of sixteen races spearing across the field from outside the front line to lead.
Going forward three wide racing for the bell to race parked for the final circuit, Ima Terminator showed plenty of heart to record a most impressive 1.1 metre margin over ex-Kiwi gelding Perun first up in Oz since December which flashed home from near last after starting from the extreme draw. Major Manbar held third 1.9 metres back. The rate a slick 1-54.6.
■ The Bob Cain Memorial 4Y0 AND Older Maiden Pace over 1690 metres saw former Kilmore trainer Paul Weidenbach now based at Wahring in the Goulburn Valley victorious with 4Y0 Betting Line-Our Apachee Miss gelding Dashing Cowboy in a 1-58.6 rate.
Driven by Murchison South’s Abby Sanderson, Dashing Cowboy enjoyed a sweet passage from gate four following Peppercorn Barry (gate two) which led, with David Miles sending Rollwithharty (gate two second line) forward from midfield in the running line to race outside the leader at the bell.
Using the sprint lane, Dashing Cowboy raced clear over the concluding stages to score by 5.1 metres from Peppercorn Friday, with Rollwitharty holding down third 1.4 metres back.
■ The Leli AND Mary Mifsud Memorial Pace over 1690 metres was a most popular victory for 5Y0 Flight Path-Makeitworthitjo mare Blackmirra giving Gippsland a winner. Partowned and trained by Geoff Clout from Tyabb, Black Mirra (gate three) was given every opportunity by Greg Sugars trailing the pacemaker Cheys Angel which flew way from gate five. Angling off her back on turning, Blackmirra in a ding-dong duel all the way up the running received the judges nod by a nose in a tricky finish. Lady In Line starting outside the front line was third 12.4 metres away after going forward to race outside the leader. The mile rate 156.2.
At Melton
■ At Melton on Friday, Maryborough breeder/ owner Len and Irene Parker’s most special broodmare Flying Moth provided her third individual winner when Rock N Roll Heaven filly Quatro Moth on debut scored in the Benstud Standardbreds 2Y0 Maiden Pace over 1720 metres.
Trained at Cardigan by Emma Stewart and driven by Mark Pitt, Quatro Moth led throughout from the pole to easily account for Eyeneedthat (gate two) which trailed by 3.3 metres returning a mile rate of 1-55.7.
Dusty Philtra (gate three) after following the pair was third 6.3 metres away. A 10 race winner herself, Flying Moth (Art Major-Moody Moth by Classic Garry) has also produced Meteor Moth (American Ideal), Ideal Moth (American Ideal) and has a filly foal on the ground by Captain Treacherous.
- Len Baker
STRONG CONTESTS IN DOOMBEN RACES
■ Queensland racing will swing into action with the Doomben 10,000 to be run over1200 metres.
Then it is the Doomben Cup which will be run over 2000 metres with hopefully a top-class field of stayers.
In early betting bookies have the Chris Waller trained Buckaroo in as the early favourite before acceptances for the Cup
He failed to fire in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes back on Sydney Cup Day finishing seventh behind the champion mare, Via Sistina, who won in easy fashion.
The mare beat home Dubai Honour and Tom Kitten.
However, the distance here will suit Buckaroo having won over this trip and running a good second to Duke of Sessa in the Caulfield Cup over 2400 metres in the last year. He will be right in this.
Another who will be right in this is the top Queenslander, Antino, prepared by their leading trainer, Tony Gollan.
Without doubt it is one of the best going around as he proved in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield last year.
Later in December they took him to Hong Kong to have a crack at the big Group One race there.
Unfortunately, he failed to fire in a hot field, back in 11th spot.
Prior to that he ran a big race finishing second in the VRC Champions Mile behind the weight for age star, Mr Brightside, with another top notcher, Fan Girl, in third spot.
However, they can all put in a bad one, and his last two have been under par.
It appears that he has lost zip at the start and is failing to settle in his races.
He will be right in this especially on his own turf, if he can get his act together.
On the next line is another exciting type in Fawkner Park, prepared by the Queenslander trainer, Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald at Warwick Farm.
Two starts back he rana cracker finishing a good third behind the champion mare, Via Sistina, in the Group One, over 2000 metres in Sydney on March 22. He could be right in this as he has plenty oftalent.
Another that has been disappointing is the former New Zealander, Kovalica, now with Chris Waller, who keeps trying but all to no avail.
Then there is the good mare, Pride of Jenni, who on her day can beat most of the top class as proven in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in Sydney
At one stage connections felt that she had enough and retired her, only to race her again, but in the Australian Cup at Flemington she failed to fire after leading them up and finished ninth, back on March 25.
Now seven, she could be feeling the pinch as you don’t see many mares racing after turning seven.
Another smart type is the Gai WaterhouseAndrew Bott trained, six year-old stallion, Royal Patronage, who won the Canterbury Stakes in fine style over 1300 metres on March 8. The stallion got home from Here to Shock and Magic Time and is smart. Will be right in this.
Ted Ryan
He
He has been matching it with the very best and racing very well.
The international, Klondike, now with top Sydney trainer John O’Shea, who was a Group One winner at York, in England, failed to fire in the All Aged Stakes and finished well back. He appears to be better than that and it would pay to give him another chance.
Down to the Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald trained Irish bred horse, My Oberon, but he failed to fire in the All Aged Stakes and finished near the tail.
One at odds that could go very well here is the Doncaster Handicap Prelude runner-up, New Endeavour back on April 1 at Rosehill. It could surprise at big odds.
‘Jimmy
is a star’
■ It didn’t take leading trainer Ciaron Maher long to get his next star into his highly successful stables.
Only recently he retired his champion sprinting mare, Bella Nipotina, who went out with a bank winning the coveted Everest Classic in Sydney, among her many other triumphs.
Now it certainly looks like he has a readymade replacement in Jimmysstar, who looks like taking over the reins.
He made the other top sprinters looked second-rate in winning the All Aged Stakes at Randwick.
In the run he was a fair way back, but flashed home to win in great fashion.
With the All Aged added to his score, he is the only horse to win two Group One races this season.
Maher was over the moon with the run who just flew home to get the chocolates, and now it’s on with any budding participants.
Despite his big win you could still procure some good odds even after his big win in the AllAged Stakes.
After the race the bookies had him varying between 15/1 and 20/1.
Ciaron was also quick to congratulate promising young rider Victorian Ethan Brown on his ride.
He feels he is up with the best riding in Australia at the moment.
- Ted Ryan
● ● Antino. Racing Photos.
● Jimmysstar. Racing Photos.
Another smart type is the good galloper, Lindermann, who has been mixing it with the best.
ran a great fourth to the champion mare, Via Sistina, Dubai Honour and Tom Kitten
Local Sport Amateurs
WEEKEND’S LOCAL FOOTBALL FINAL SCORES
■ Victorian Amateur Football Association. Premier Men’s. Collegians 13.11 (89) d Old Scotch 7.9 (51). University Blacks 9.8 (62) d University Blues 3.9 (27). Old Brighton 14.17 (101) d St Bernard’s 7.5 (47). Old Xaverians 11.16 (82) d Old Haileybury 11.9 (75). St Kevin’s 18.11 (119) d De La Salle 7.3 (45).
Premier Men’s Reserves. Old Scotch 19.7 (121) d Collegians 4.4 (28). University Blues 13.10 (88) d University Blacks 10.2 (62). Old Brighton 11.10 (76) d St Bernard’s 120.4 (64). St Kevin’s 16.16 (112) d De La Salle 6.4 (40). Old Xaverians 26.15 (171) d Old Heileybury 5.1 (31).
Premier B Men’s. Williamstown CYMS 11.9 (75) d Fitzroy 7.13 (55). Old Carey 13.19 (97) d Old Camberwell 11.7 (73). Old Ivanhoe 14.12 (96) d Old Melbourne 14.9 (93). Old Trinity 14.11 (95) d Hampton Rovers 10.3 (63). Old Geelong 14.10 (94). d Caulfield Grammar-ians 10.9 (69).
Premier B Men’s Reserves. Fiotzroy 6.12 (48) d Williamstown CYMS 6.8 (44). Old Camberwell 7.5 (47) d Old Carey 5.12 (42). Old Trinity 9.12 (66) d Hampton Rovers 8.7 (55). Old Ivanhoe 17.20 (122) d Old Melbourne 3.4 (22). Old Geelong 12.9 981) d Caulfield Grammarians 12.6 (78).
Premier C Men’s. Parkside 12.5 (77) d Marcellin 10.7 (67). AJAX 16.19 (115) d Prahran 4.6 (30). PEGS 6.12 (48) d Mazenod 4.6 (30). St Bedes/Mentone 21.15 (114) d Glen Eira/McKinnon 7.14 (56). Parkdale Vultures 21.10 (136) d Beaumaris 11.7 (73).
Premier C Men’s Reserves. AJAX 15.11 (101) d Prahran 1.9 (15). Parkdale Vultures 13.12 (90) d Beaumaris 5.8 (38). Marcellin 7.12 (54) d Parkside 7.11 (53). PEGS 5.20 (50) d Mazenod 5.4 (34). St Bedes/Mentone 15.9 (109) d Glen Eira/McKinnon 3.2 (20).
Division 1 Men’s. Ormond 14.8 (92) d UHS-VU 11.12 (78). Therry Penola 9.8 (62) d Monash Blues 9.7 (61). Preston Bullants 19.11 (125) d Elsternwick 9.3 (57). Kew 11.11 (77) d Oakleigh 5.8 (38). Old Peninsula 16.15 (111) d Brunswick 11.3 (69).
Division 1 Men’s Reserves. UHS-VU 10.11 (71) d Ormond 9.12 (66). Monash Blues 25.13 (163) d Therry Penola 3.3 (21). Preston Bullants 20.15 (135) d Elsternwick 3.10 (28). Oakleigh v Kew. Old Peninsula 6.13 (49) d Brunswick 7.5 (47).
Division 2 Men’s. Whitefriars 13.17 (95) d Canterbury 13.12 (90). MHSOB 14.9 993) d West Brunswick 12.9 (81). St Mar’s Salesianm 11.11 (77) d South Melbourne 8.5 (53). St John’s 22.16 (148) d Aquinas 12.14
Local Paper SPORTS EXTRA
Vale Greg Sugars
■ The Victorian and Australian Harness Racing community were shocked with the sad news that champion reinsman Greg Sugars has passed away suddenly in NSW on Saturday (Apr. 26).
The 40-year-old with over 4000 winners including dual trotting Inter Dominions had taken a team of horses to compete at Menangle on Saturday and had died in his sleep during the early hours.
An all-round champion bloke who was so amiable and approachable with anybody, had so much to look forward to in the years ahead working in partnership with wife Jess (Tubbs) with the pair establishing Lara Jay Farm, Myrniong, where they had a big team of horses in work.
Aged 40, Greg had grown up in Adelaide around his late iconic grandfather Len and parents Ross and Kerry along with younger sister Kylie now based in the Goulburn Valley, before moving to Victoria several years ago.
Greg will be missed by all involved in harness racing and condolences, thoughts and wishes are extended to his family. - Len Baker
(86). Old Yarra Cobras 21.11 (137) d Hawthorn 13.7 (85).
Division 2 Men’s Reserves. Whitefriars 13.10 (88) d Canterbury 10.7 (67). West Brunswick 18.13 (121) d MHSOPB 9.9 (63). South Melbourne v St Mary’s Salesian. Aquinas 9.15 (69) d St John’s 9.11 (65). Old Yarra Cobras 15.15 (105) d Hawthorn 11.8 (74). Division 3 Men’s. Power House 30.18 (198) d Chadstone 7.6 (48). Richmond Central 15.12 (102) d La Trobe Uni 4.4 (28). Swinbunre University 22.17 (149) d Eley Park 6.7 (43). North Brunswick 7.14 (56) d Box Hill North 8.7 (55). Wattle Park 7.18 (60) d Albert Paqrk 8.10 (58).
Division 3 Men’s Reserves. Power House 36.27 (243) d Chadstone 0.1 (1). Richmond Central 15.16 (106) d La Trobe University 3.5 (23). Swinburne University 20.19 (139) d Eley Park 5.6 (36). North Brunswick 17.17 (119) d Box Hill North 5.3 (33). Albert Park 7.12 (54) d Wattle Park 7.11 (53).
Eastern
■ Premier Division Seniors. Blackburn 12.10o (82) d South Croydonm 9.10 (64). East Ringwood 10.10 (70) d Mitcham 10.4 (64). Vermont 13.11 (89) d Doncaster East 10.14 (74). Rowville 10.14 (74) d Balwyn 6.8 (44). Noble Park 12.7 (79) d Berwick 9.11 (65).
Division 1 Seniors. South Belgrave 14.11 (95) d Beaconsfield 11.7 (73). Park Orchards 17.19 (121) d Bayswater 6.9 (45). Boronia 17.10 (112) d Montrose 6.8 (44). North Ringwood 21.27 (153) d Norwood 8.8 (56). Mooroolbark: Bye.
Mornington
n Division 1. Mt Eliza 12.8 (80) d Mornington 9.9 (63). Edithvale-Aspendale 8.11 (59) d Red Hill 6.7 (45). Rosebud 11.14 (80) d Dromana 9.13 (67). Langwarrin 13.14 (92) d Sorrento 6.4 (40). Pines 10.12 (72) d Frankston YCW 10.8 (68).
n Division 1. Decon Meadows 11.17 (83) d Tyabb 7.4 (46). Seaford 8.11 (59) d Chelsea 7.13 (55). Crib Point 15.6 (96) d Rye 10.12 (72). Bonbeach 24.11 (155) d Karingal 6.4 (40). Pearcedale 11.10 (76) d Somerville 10.14 (74).
Northern
■ Northern Football Netball League. Division 1 Seniors. Eltham 13.11 (89) d Greensborough 9.8 (62). Heidelberg 23.13 (151) d Banyule 4.7 (31). Greensborough 14.9 (93) d South Morang 7.13 (55). West Preston Lakeside 13.9 (87) d Bundoora 10.8 (68). Montmorency 124.10 (94) d Eltham 8.16 (64). Hurstbridge 13.14 (92) drew with North Heidelberg 14.8 (92).
Division 1 Reserves. Greensborough 11.12 (78) d Eltham 10.8 (68). Heidelberg 16.6 (102) d Banyule 6.10 (46). South Morang 8.11 (59) d Greensborough 6.10 (46). West Preston Lakeside 25.10 (160) d Bundoora 3.0 (18). Eltham 13.5 (83) d Montmorency 11.7 (73). North Heidelberg 13.17 (95) d Hurstbridge 11.13 (79).
Division 1 Under 19.5. Eltham 24.20 (164) d Greensborough 4.6 (30). Banyule 8.5 (53) d Heidelberg 4.8 (32). Eltham 13.15 (93) d Montmorency 5.3 (33). St Mary’s 18.8 (116) d Greensborough 11.4 (70). Diamond Creek 10.15 (75) d North Heidelberg 3.5 (23).
Division 2 Seniors. Northcote Park 8.11 (59) d Thomastown 5.9 (39). Whittlesea 12.11 (83) d Lower plenty 6.13 (49). Panton Hill 10.8 (68) d Watsonia 6.6 (42). Macleod 12.16 (88) d St Mary’s 7.11 (53). Diamond Creek 16.19 (115) d Old Paradians 1.3 (9).
Division 2 Reserves. Northcote Park 6.7 (43) d Thomastown 5.11 (41). Whittlesea 18.14 (122) d Lower Plenty 4.6 (32). Watsonia 10.18 978) d Panton Hill 6.8 (38). Macleod 12.12 (84) d St Mary’s 12.8 (80). Diamond Creek 18.18 (126) d Old Paradians 4.3 (27).
Division 2 Under 19.5. Whittlesea
11.20 (86) d Lower Plenty 3.5 (23). Hurstbridge 11.9 (75) d Macleod 5.14 (44).
South Morang 11.12 (78) d Laurimar 10.12 (72). Bundoora: Bye.
Division 3 Seniors. Fitzroy Stars 22.23 (155) d Old Eltham Collegians 3.6 (24).
Kinglake 13.10 (88) d Epping 11.4 (70). Reservoir 21.16 (142) d Lalor 6.5 (41). Laurimar 17.9 (111) d Mernda 7.8 (50). Kilmore 11.11 (77) d Heidelberg West 7.15 (57).
Division 3 Reserves. Fitzroy Stars 16.7 (103) d Old Eltham Collegians 10.7 (67).
Kinglake 1`3.6 (84) d Epping 8.7 (55). Reservoir 15.7 (97) d Lalor 9.7 (61). Laurimar 13.14 (92) d Mernda 3.11 (29). Kilmore 15.12 (102) d Heidelberg West 7.7 (49).
Division 3 Under 19.5. Heidelberg 6.7 (43) d Mernda 5.9 (39). Banyule 11.11 (77) d Old paradians 8.5 (53). Kilmore 213.9 (147) d Eltham 3.10 (28). Watsonia 13.12 (90) d Panton Hill 6.10 (46).
Outer East
■ Outer East. Premier Division Seniors. Olinda ferny Creek 6.8 (44) d Upwey Tecoma 5.7 (37). Healesville 12.5 (87) d Mt Evelyn 5.11 (41). Woori Yallock 18.12 (120) d Offiocer 7.8 (50). Emerald 10.10 (70) d Gembrook Cockatoo 10.8 (68). Wandin 23.9 (147) d Monbulk 6.7 (43). Premier Division Reserves. Upwey Tecoma 11.8 (74) d Olinda Ferny Creek 6.5 (41). Emerald 8.9 (57) d Gembrook Cockatoo 8.3 (51). Monbulk 8.9 (57) d Wandin 1.8 (14). Mt Evelyn 20.14 (134) d Healesville 2.8 (20). Officer 17.5 (107) d Woori Yallock 6.7 (43).
Division 1 Seniors. Seville 7.17 (69) d Belgrave 7.10 (52). Yarra Glen 8.12 (60) d Yea 5.,12 (42). Pakenham 14.7 (91) d Alexandra 6.11 (47). Warburton Millgrove 36.309 (246) d Yarra Junction 1.2 (8).
Powelltown: Bye.
Division 1 Reserves. Seville 10.6 (66) d belgrave 4.7 (31). Yea 7.21 (63) d Yarra Glen 3.6 (24). Pakenham 14.8 (92) d Alexandra 5.3 (33). Warburton Millgrove 18.10 (118) d Yarra Junction 2.2 (14). Bye; Powelltown.
Premier Division Under 18 Boys. Upwey Tecoma 9.14 (68) d Olinda Ferny Creek 6.9 (45). Wandin 18.8 (116) d monbulk 3.5 (23). Mt Evelyn 14.11 (95) d Healesville 3.3 (21). Officer 14.22 (106) d Woori Yallock 1.4 (10). Bye: Gembrook Cockatoo. Division 1 Under 18 Boys. Yarra Glenm 9.12 (66) d Yea 1.2 (8). Pakenham 25.20 (170) d Alexandra 0.0 (0). Seville 12.27 (99) d Warburton Millgrove 0.3 (33). Women’s Division 1. Belgrave 4.4 (28) d Woori Yallock 2.5 (17). Upwey Tecoma 3.8 (26) d Olinda Tecoma 1.3 (9). Mt Evelyn 16.12 (108) d Healesville 0.2 (2). Pakenham: Bye. Women’s Division 2. Yea 3.13 (31) d Officer 1.3 (9).Warburton Wesburn 12.6 (78) d Wandin 3.4 (22). Emerald 4.12 (36) d Seville 0.2 (2). Thornton Eildon: Bye.
Southern
■ Division 1 Seniors. Dingley 13.9 (87) d Springvale Districtys 10.12 (72). Cheltenham 17.8 (110 d Bentleigh 10.9 (69). St Paul’s McKinnon 14.11 (95) d Murrumbeena 6.9 (45). Narre Warren 17.13 (115) d Port Melbourne Colts 12.14 (86). East Brighton 14.6 (90) d Cranbourne Eagles 5.12 (42). Division 2 Seniors. Keysborough 5.10 (40) d Caulfield Bears 3.8 (26). Chelsea Heights 8.14 (62) d Frankston Dolphins 8,.10 (58). Highett 10.21 (81) d hampton Park 9.10 (64). Doveton Doves 9.6 (60) d Mordialloc 6.14 (50). East Malvern 6.8 (44) d Endeavour Hills 4.8 (32).
Division 3 Seniors. South Mornington 6.10 (58) d Ashwood 7.13 (55). Hampton 13.12 (90) d Heatherton 4.10 (34). Berwick Springs 16.129 (115) d Lyndhurst 10.3 (63). St Kilda City 18.18 (126) d Black Rock 7.6 (48). Carrum Patterson Lakes 10.10 (70) d Skye 8.13 (61).
Division 4 Seniors. Clayton 8.10 (58) d Narre South Sainys 6.5 (41). Dandenong West 15.16 (106) d South Yarra 8.5 (53). Hallam 24.6 (150) d Doveton Eagles 3.4 (22). Lyndale 21.13 (139) d Moorabbin Eagles 13.6 (84).
Western
■ Division 1. Seniors. Werribee Districts 13.10 (88) d Hoppers Crossing 10.9 (69). Altona 9.8 (62) d Spotswood 9.7 (61). Point Cook 11.19 (85) d Point Cook 7.7 (49). Albion 12.11 (83) d Newport 7.9 (51). Yarraville Seddon Eagles 19.14 (128) d Sunshine 7.5 (47). Caroline Springs 13.15 (93) d Parkside 6.8 (42).
■ Division 2. Seniors. North Footscray 18.12 (120) d West Footscray 12.4 -76). Albanvale 10.15 (74) d Braybrook 7.1 (53). Laverton Magpies 23.12 (150) d Tarneit 6.8 (44). Wyndhamvale 19.15 (129) d Sunshine Heightys 8.6 (54). Suns 21.8 (134) d Western Rams 10.8 (68).
Goulburn Valley
■ Seniors. Shepparton Swans 16.11 (107) d Tatura 5.5 (35). Seymour 16.11 (107) d Euroa 8.11 (59). Kyabram 29.9 (193) d Shepparton 11.11 (77). Rochester 20.14 (134) d Mansfield 6.12 (48). Echuca 17.12 (114) d Benalla 9.5 (59). Shepparton 11.11 (77) d Mooroopna 5.8 (38). ■ Reserves. Shepparton Swans 9.8 (62) d Tatura 2.1 (13). Seymour 14.14 (98) d Euroa 0. (5). Kyabram 18.13 (121) d Shepparton United 3.3 (21). Mansfield 6.20 (56) d Rochester 4.4 (28). Echuca 19.13 (127) d Benalla 1.1 (7). Shepparton 14.20 (104) d Mooroopna 1.4 (10). ■ Under 19. Shepparton Swans 7.9 %1) d Tatura 4.5 (29). Euroa 11.9 (75) d Euroa 2.7 (19). Shepparton United 8.9 -57) drew with Kyabram 8.9 (57). Mansfield 12.8 (80) d Rochester 5.3 (33). Echuca 14.12 (96) d Benalla 3.3 (21).Shepparton 20.9 (129) d Mooroopna 2.8 (20).
Kyabram District
■ Seniors. Nagambie 10.9 (69) d Rushworth 7.16 (58). Longwood 13.7 (85) d Undera 10./ 10 (70). Violet Town 19.18 (132) d Tallygaroopna 7.6 (48). Murchison-Toolamba 10.8 (68) d Shepparton East 6.6 (42). Stanhope 15.6 (96) d Merrigum 7.6 (48). Lancaster 20.28 (148) d Girgarre 8.7 (55). Bye: Avenel. ■ Reserves. Nagambie 16.7 (103) d Rushworth 6.7 (43). Longwood 4.15 (39) d Undera 6.1 (37). Tallygaroopna 30.12 (192) d Violet Town 1.2 (8). Murchison-Toolamaba 15.21 (111) d Shepparton East 3.1 (19). Stanhope 25.13 (163) d Merrigum 2.3 (15). Lancaster 10.4 (64) d Girgarre 5.3 (33). Bye; Avenel.
■ Under 18. Nagambie 22.13 (145) d Tigers 1.3 (9). Undera 19.15 (129) d Longwood 2.6 (18). Tallygaroopnma 28.18 (186) d Violet Town 28.18 (188) d Violet Town 2.2 (14). Murchison-Toolamba 13.14 (92) d Shepparton East 1.6 (12). Lancaster d Girgarre, forfeit.
Riddell District
■ Seniors. Kyneton 13.23 (101) d Lancaster 5.5 (35). Macedon 8.14 (62) drew with Diggers Rest 9.8 (62). Wallan 13.7 (85) d Romsey 8.8 (56). Melton South 22.11 (143) d Gisborne Giants 9.5 (59). Riddell 14.18 (100) d Melton Centrals 6.6 (42).
■ Reserves. Diggers Rest 10.6 (66) d Macedon 4.10 (34). Kyneton 10.13 (73) d Lancefield 6.11 (47). Wallan 6.9 945) d Romsey 3.3 (21). Melton South 9.7 (61) d Gisborne giants 2.9 (21). Riddell 13.10 (88) d Melton Centrals 4.2 (26). Bye: WoodendHesket.
Gaetano Greco, North-West
Classifieds
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FREE non-commercial classified advertising is available for individual readers, selling iitems. Your ad can be up to 40 words. This service is available at the sole discretion of the Editor. Ads will appear for up to 4 weeks. Free ads are not available to businesses or organisations. Deadline: 4pm Fridays prior to Print Edition. You can lodge your Free Ad by:
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ALL CAR advertisers must supply registration or Vehicle Identification Numbers. By law, we are unable to publish listings without those details.
ANGEL STATUE with adjustable wings. Approx. one metre tall. Solid moulde, EC. $475. Broadford. Owen, 0434 037 941. N-Q
BASSINET. Chrome frame and high chair. VGC. $25 for both. Thomastown. 0428 833 398. N-Q
BED. Single. Electric folable with massage and remote control. Adjustable back, legs and height. New Aspire mattress. German motor. EC. $500. Diamond Creek. 0401 473 565.N-Q
BIKE. Ladies. Make: Friction Huffey. Purple. Plus helmet, basket and pump. VGC. $110. Pakenham. 5940 5018. R-U
CARAVAN. E20½ ft reegal 2009 Aussie Tourer Caravan. Full ensuite with separate shower, queen bed and AC/heater, TV, stereo, gas cooktop, microwave, comes with cover and large outdoor mat. EC. $32,000. Taggerty. 0438 782 112. R-U
PRIVATE SELLERS can have a free 40-word ‘For Sale’ ad - plus a single colour photo - in The Local Paper Classifieds to sell their items. Your free ad will appear in all editions of The Local Paper, covering all suburbs of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, and selected Victorian country areas. Your free ad will appear in up to 4 issues. There are no charges, no commissions. T&Cs apply. Lodge your ad at: www.AdvertiseFree.com.au
OLD STAMPS, tools, tobacco bins, Telephone, pocket knifes, cigarette lighters, LP records, first covers and more. Australia decimal and pre-decimal bank notes. Used. Prices negot. Thomastown. 0425 733 890.
TRAIN BOOKS. Wide variety of books and pamphlets to all types of trains. All prices negotiable. Re- search. 9437 1253. N-Q
TYRE CHANGERS. Manual. Little used, complete with instructions, purchaser to collect. GC. $90. Doreen. 9717 3465 N-Q
WALKERS. Two. One new, hardly used, $120. Second one: GC but some small marks. $80. Seymour. 0419 881 573. R-U
HOME-MADE
Greeting cards. Colourful and variety and quantities. Top prices paid. Get well, thank you, plain. Genuine request. Victoria wide. Ararat. 0458 339 871. R-U
WOOD FIRE STOVE HEATER. Ozpig Traveller. Used twice. Comes with grill and hot plate, lifting handle, carry bag. heaps ofready cut fire lighters. Heavy duty grate and 45 quart camp oven. VGC. $3000. Montmorency. 0483 881 609. R-U
PUBLIC NOTICES
PARTS for Ford AUIIV8. Secondhand. Struts. New parts: ball joints, 2 boxes of parts. VGC. $1000. Seymour 0419 881 573. N-Q FORD AUII Fairport V8 Sedan. Original.Runs well. No rust. Good tyres, new screen, bring your mechanic or RACV test, RWC. Reg 7/27. 2AN3XE. VCG. $8000. Seymour. 0419 881 573. N-Q
INVERTER-GENERATOR. 2200-watt. 91 octane 4-stroke petrol motor, single phase, 240 volts, 50 hertz output, little used. GC. $95. Doreen. 9717 3465. R-U
LAURA ASHLEY Cotton Queen Coverlet set. Size 220cm x 240cm, plus 2 pillowcases. Pale blue with thin white stripes. Never used. EC. $40. Ashburton. 9885 2203. R-U
MAGAZINES. Collectors. New Idea, Woman’s Day, Stellar, Body and Soul, House magazine and many others. GC. Price negotiable. West Preston. 0416 576 660. R-U
MOBILITY SCOOTER. Pre-owned. Sill under warranty with new batteries. Features headlights and tail lights, swivel seat, rear shopping bag, includes key and charger. max user 136kg, 35km range per cahrge. Free delivery. VGC. $1295. Moorabbin. 0401 980 969. R-U
PICTURE FRAMES. 40 large to small. Various styles. VGC. All only $70. Keon Park. 9469 4558. N-Q
PORTABLE SAUNA. Top condition. $150. Alphington. 0401 226 114. F-M
RIDE-ON Deutscher 280 Honda motor, runs fine, seal on shaft leaks, heaps of parts including new seat, new cutting plate, body part dismantled, everything is there. GC. $800. Yarck. 0414 718 812. R-U
SHEEP. 60 mixed breed ewes, been running with rams, have ear tags. Friendly, great lawnmowers, saves mowing the paddocks and helps reduce fire risk. Can deliver. GC. $130. Deanside. 0426 397 741N-Q
Rego Plates. B/ W Slimline: MISUBI. VGC. $1500 or offer. Frankston. 9789 9634.F-M
TABLE. Large solid timber, dining room table, 2100mm x 1000mm. Plus six chairs. GC. $30. Yea. 0419 109 887. N-Q
WHEELCHAIR. Electric. Pride Go. Mobility chair. Only moths old. Paid $3700. Will sell $1800 ONO. Like brand new. Rosanna. 0418 583 120. R-U
Electric. Hubang HBLD2-B. Light- weight, easy to manoeu- ver, strong battery life. Per- fect for everyday use. Sellng due to owner pass- ing away. GC. $1000. Thomastown. 0421 819 286.F-M
WHEELCHAIR. Manual. Evoke 2 Aspire 450mm. new, never been used as too small for subject. Foldable and extremely light for easy transport. Well made, Top of the range. EC. $600. Diamond Creek. 0401 473 565.N-Q
SAWS. 5 vintage saws for woodwork. FC. $20. Also frame for manual sharpening, GC. $8. Ashburton. 9885 2203.F-M WELLNESS Circulation Stimulator. $20 or offer. VGC. Frankston. 9789 9634.F-M
WINDOW. Aluminium. 1600mm x 1600mm with windout window. GC. Free. Murrindindi. 0418 564 174. R-U
GOD’S CHURCH invites faithful followwees of Christ to attend the New Testament local Passover night service. Alfredton, Ballarat. To secure your seat, 0419 327 366. N-P
ANY or all amounts of used stamps to assist needy charities and world missions. Aust. and overseas used stamps. Keen collec- tor. Genuine. Top prices paid. Victoria wide. Ararat. 0458 339 871.R-U
RING PULLS off all aluminium cans and any quan- tity to assist towards people who need prosthetics and wheel chairs and walking frames. Genuine collector. Victoria wide. Ararat. 0458 339 871.
GARDENER’S DAY OUT. Royal Horticultural Society Victoria. Saturday, June 14. 9.30am. Deakin University, Burwood. Rusden Theatre. Free parking and entry to large plant and allied goods market. Inspiring speakers: James Wall, Heidi Martin, Vasili Kanidiadis, $25, All welcome. plantzia@bigpond.com N-Q
Full day Monday and Wednesday, and Thurs. afternoon. Hourly rate as per market, nego- tiable. Yea. 0438 652 784.N-Q
ANZ BANK Money Boxes. GC. Negotiable.
CHAINS Bible College Australia; In depth Bible study and online Biblical studies. 0447 515 450 N-Q
